Lanka-Maldives to enhance fisheries cooperation

Sri Lanka are making plans to strengthen their ties with Maldives in the fisheries industry by having bilateral discussions, during the forthcoming Indian Ocean Tuna Commission gathering, which is scheduled to be held in Colombo from March 14-22.

The Indian Ocean Tuna Commission had decided to hold its 16th annual conference for the first time in Sri Lanka, and it will see the participation of over 40 countries.

During the conference Sri Lanka’s Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Dr. Rajitha Senarathne is expected to meet the Maldivian Fisheries and Agriculture Minister Rasheed Hassan, and discuss ways of working together to strengthen the fisheries industry of both countries.

Haveeru learns that some of the main areas that will be discussed are ways of increasing the quantity of tuna being exported to Europe, taking common positions on matters such as Illegal Unregulated and Unreported Fishing (IUC), when it goes before international fisheries bodies and also, to collaborate in the protection of fishery resources and prevention extinction and plans to set up a Tuna factory in Sri Lanka with the collaboration of Maldives.

Sri Lanka’s Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Dr Rajitha Senaratne speaking to Haveeru said that the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission conference will give an opportunity for both Sri Lanka and Maldives to overcome obstacle they previously had in the fisheries sector and will give an opportunity for both countries to work together.

“The conference will give both Sri Lanka and Maldives opportunities to discuss various issues related to the fisheries industry. We hope to work together to develop the industry further.

-HNS