MONROVIA, June 15 (LINA) – International fisheries donors, including the European Union, China and World Bank have reaffirmed their commitments to further assist in the development of the Liberian fisheries sector through technical and financial support.
Speaking during a recent technical meeting that brought together donors within the Liberian fisheries sector at NaFAA’s corporate headquarters, Chinese Ambassador Ren Yisheng affirmed China’s commitment to providing “technical support in the development of agriculture in Liberia.”
The Chinese Ambassador mentioned that China remains committed to “cooperating with Liberia in the development of the aquaculture sector as he described agriculture as a sustainable development.”
Ambassador Ren further disclosed that a Chinese entity is closely considering investing in the production of fiber glass vessels in Liberia, “as this was one of the concerns raised by Director General Glassco during a recent meeting at my Embassy in Liberia.”
The Chinese diplomat disclosed that he was highly impressed of being in the gathering of donor partners to Liberia’s fisheries sector as such meeting enables Liberians through their government to be informed about the donors support to the sector.
For his part, a proxy for the European Union Delegation to Liberia, Ambassador Laurent Delahousse, revealed that they have encouraged EU member states to increase support to Liberia.
Mr. Theo Kaspers, head of Cooperation, stated that they are working along with NaFAA’s priority areas in developing the Liberian fisheries sector.
At the same time, speaking on behalf of FAO Country Representative, Madam Mariztou Njie, Madam Mehna Ajmal said FAO was pleased with the existing coordination it has with the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority, NaFAA.
Madam Ajmal recounted that FAO has over the years worked with the Management of NaFAA in strengthening the fisheries sector through several instruments, including bur not limited to, the Port State Measurement Agreement (PSMA), which includes Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated fishing.
She also mentioned FAO’s role in the development of the Agriculture sector.
Also speaking, on behalf of the World Bank’s Country Manager, Mr. Khiwina Nthara, Fisseha Tessema disclosed that the Bank has a fisheries project of US$40 million with “a possibility” of additional US$20 million from another partner.
Meanwhile, the acting Director General of NaFAA, Augustine M. Manoballah, said the donors’ coordination meeting was essential as it was intended to provide updates on the various fisheries projects being financed by the EU, World Bank and China, among others.
Manoballah recounted that the support from the various donors have contributed immensely toward the developments taking place in the Liberian fisheries sector.
