Sierra Leone News: EU Representative calls for Standard fishing product

Business

Sierra Leone must look into the draft fishing bill and enact them into laws,” Thiery Cozier Head of Cooperation of the European Union said during a consultative meeting held by the EU together with PRECON food management consultancy firm. The representative emphasised that quality products of fish will help to improve exportation and bolster the country’s economy and that there must be regulations to protect the products. He said despite there are laws set out, corruption and bribery had rendered them active. He emphasised on the importance of fish packaging but of the view that it could lead to waste that could cause pollution. He said most of the waste goes to the sea that can compromise the quality of fishes. He urged the country to tackle the issue of illegal fish activities and that it is not all about protecting the matter but also protect the resources. He said illegal fish is costing the country heavily in reaching its International standards. He highlighted that if we have all what it takes but lacks the International standards it would be a big loss for the country. The EU representative said if the country must invest in fisheries it must follow the rules of getting quality fish. He admonished that there is no formal request to the EU at the moment to get the certificate is Sierra Leone is seeking. Meanwhile, the CEO of the PRECON Food management consultancy, Yan Moggre said it was left with the government of Sierra Leone to validate the certificate. He said the certification would impact the economic development in the country. He said if the country’s products reached the EU markets it would be a big boost in the fishing sector. He said the certificate would be useful to the EU and other markets in the world saying that EU standards are regarded as one of highest. He concluded that the legal standards must be set to provide laws that would protect fishing activities in the country. By Sidique Fofanah (Intern) Wednesday December 07, 2016

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