Tanzania to host 70 ministers in blue economy conference

Dar es Salaam. President Samia Suluhu Hassan is set to preside over the opening of a significant ministerial conference, which will convene over 70 ministers from African, Caribbean, and Pacific (OACPS) member states.

The conference, expected to start on September 11, will focus on key aspects of the blue economy and explore strategies to enhance and fortify the fishing sector.

Briefing reporters in Dar es Salaam on August 29 on the upcoming Ministerial Conference on Fisheries, Maritime Affairs, and Inland Water Resources for OACPS member states, the Minister for Livestock and Fisheries, Mr Abdallah Ulega, said the conference is organised by his ministry in collaboration with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), the meeting will run concurrently with an International Conference on Strategies for Improving the Marine Food Production Chain.

"The primary aim of this integrated conference, which marks the 8th Ministerial Meeting of OACPS, is to discuss various issues related to the fishing sector among member countries,” he said.

Participants will seek to find ways of developing a unified strategy on fisheries and aquaculture policies to enhance the sector’s contribution to the economies of member states.

“Additionally, the conference will serve as a comprehensive platform for policymakers and experts from member states to discuss opportunities and challenges in the blue economy and learn strategies to address these challenges," Mr Ulega said.

The conference, he said, will also feature experts from the global fishing sector, government and non-governmental institutions, regional organisations, researchers, universities, and small-scale fishermen, who are key stakeholders in the event.

According to Minister Ulega, the conference will offer several benefits, including creating investment opportunities in the blue economy, particularly in the main areas of fishing and aquaculture.

It aims to improve relationships regarding the use of natural water resources and the cultivation of aquatic organisms among stakeholders from member states.

Moreover, the conference will open new markets for fishing products, broaden the learning scope for fishermen on efficient operational practices, build international relationships, and attract investment in deep-sea fishing.

The conference will take place over five consecutive days at the Julius Nyerere International Conference Centre and will conclude with a closing ceremony led by President and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council of Zanzibar, Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi.