By Alphanso G. Kalama;
Liberia and Egypt have signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at fostering technical cooperation in fisheries and aquaculture. The agreement was formalized today, Monday, November 25, 2024, in a signing ceremony held in Cairo, Egypt. The event marked a significant step in strengthening the bilateral relationship between the two nations in the field of sustainable fisheries development.
The MoU was signed by Liberia’s Director General of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority, Hon. Emma Metieh Glassco, and Major General AlHussein Farahat Mohamed, the Executive Director of the Lakes and Fish Resources Protection and Development Agency of the Arab Republic of Egypt. The agreement outlines a comprehensive framework for collaboration in several crucial areas, including aquaculture development, fisheries governance, and scientific research.
A key focus of the agreement is to enhance monitoring, control, and surveillance (MCS) systems in the fisheries sector, aiming to improve sustainability and resource management. The partnership will also work towards the transformation of Liberia’s fishing industry from a subsistence-based model to a commercially viable, large-scale aquaculture sector.
“The primary aim of this MoU is to strengthen technical cooperation between our two countries for mutual benefit, promote trade, and foster private sector participation,” said a dispatch from Cairo. “Through this partnership, we seek to modernize Liberia’s fisheries sector, develop its aquaculture potential, and contribute to the nation’s economic growth.”
The agreement will open new avenues for capacity-building initiatives, benefiting local farmers, students, and researchers. Additionally, an expert exchange program will be established to enhance collaboration between Liberia’s Fisheries Department at the University of Liberia and other academic institutions. The MoU will also facilitate trade links between the private sectors of both countries, contributing to broader economic cooperation.
Hon. Emma Metieh Glassco expressed her enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “This MoU represents a crucial step forward in developing Liberia’s fisheries and aquaculture sector. We are thrilled to work with Egypt to strengthen our technical capabilities, boost trade, and ultimately enhance the livelihoods of our fishing communities.”
The impact of the MoU is expected to be far-reaching, ushering in new opportunities for investment, technology transfer, and sustainable development in Liberia’s fisheries industry. The collaboration promises to create a more resilient and modern sector, laying the foundation for a prosperous future in aquaculture.
