The Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation laid the foundation stone for the Fish Export Center project in Aden.

Today, in the temporary capital of Aden, Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Fisheries, Salem Al-Saqtri, along with local officials, laid the foundation stone for a new Fish Export Center. This project, which has a budget of $1.5 million, aims to enhance Yemen’s fishing sector by facilitating the export of both frozen and fresh fish.

EU-Funded Initiative to Enhance Economic Resilience

The Fish Export Center, funded by the European Union and implemented through a United Nations program, will cover an area of 7,000 square meters. It falls under a broader initiative aimed at strengthening institutional and economic resilience in Yemen. The center will serve as a key hub for fish exports, providing essential services to local fishermen and investors.

Comprehensive Facilities for Fish Processing and Export

The project will feature several departments and facilities, including:

• Management offices
• Statistical offices
• Local and international marketing departments
• A central laboratory for fish sample testing
• Ice manufacturing plants and refrigeration units
• Storage facilities
• Fish processing areas

These components will create a robust infrastructure to support the fish export process, ensuring quality and efficiency.

Strategic Importance of the Project

Minister Al-Saqtri emphasized the strategic significance of this project for Yemen’s fishing industry. He noted that its implementation coincides with the rehabilitation of the fishing port, funded by the German Development Bank with an investment of $35 million. This rehabilitation includes upgrades to the port’s dock, refrigeration units, maintenance workshops, and storage facilities. The Minister expressed gratitude to the European Union, the United Nations, and other supporters for their commitment to improving the fishing sector’s infrastructure across the country.

Local Leaders Highlight the Project’s Impact

Bader Maoun, Secretary-General of the Local Council in Aden, stated that this project stands out as the largest of its kind in Yemen. He stressed its importance, especially as it coincides with the 61st anniversary of the October 14 Revolution.

Dr. Abdul Salam, head of the Fisheries Authority in the Gulf of Aden, added that the Fish Export Center will generate job opportunities and attract more investments from both fishermen and investors.

This initiative marks a significant step forward for Yemen’s fishing industry, promising to create a more sustainable and prosperous future for local communities.

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