Workshop on "Effective Fish Trade and Sustainable Development for Small Island Developing States"

"Value fisheries for development, poverty reduction, livelihoods, food security and nutrition” in the focus of Atlantic and Indian Ocean SIDS workshop for an effective fish trade and sustainable development for Small Islands Developing States.

Export and trade of fisheries products represent an important source of national income (including through fishing partnership agreements), food security and employment for AIMS (Atlantic, Indian Ocean, Mediterranean and South China Sea) SIDS. While options to increase production are limited, there is still potential to trade more effectively, enter new markets, and increase value by consolidating and increasing delivery of higher value products.

The agenda will focus on changes in the seascape of fish trade, fisheries management and governance issues, and promote a dialogue for authorities to have a clear vision of the value of fish trade, the barriers to effective fish trade and opportunities to overcome such issues.

During the workshop, FAO in partnership with the Government of Seychelles and the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) will assist AIMS SIDS bridge the knowledge gap through information sharing and technical assistance.

Keynote speakers who will address the opening of the workshop on 27 August are:

• The Honourable Charles Bastienne, Minister for Fisheries and Agriculture, Seychelles
• Mr. Patrice Talla Takoukam, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Representative for Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius, Seychelles
• Dr Gatot Hari Gunawan, Director, IORA