Senegal will soon have a National Analysis Laboratory and of Control of Fisheries Products, a large-scale project estimated at 7 billion 124 million CFA francs, announced this Tuesday the Minister of Fisheries, Maritime and Port Infrastructure, Fatou Diouf, during the official ceremony of handing over a donation of 94 fiberglass canoes offered by Japan.
This laboratory, which will meet international standards in terms of quality and health safety of seafood products, will constitute a strategic asset for the export of Senegalese fishery products to international markets, particularly European and Asian.
Alongside this announcement, the minister also underlined that the Joal fishing quay, recently rehabilitated and now approved to international health standards, will be inaugurated very soon.
This modern infrastructure aims to improve the working conditions of fishing stakeholders, strengthen the fisheries value chain, and guarantee the traceability and compliance of landed products with the requirements of global markets.
Fatou Diouf also praised the strong partnership with Japan, which was illustrated by this significant donation of fiberglass canoes. These more resistant and modern boats will help to strengthen safety at sea, reduce maintenance costs for fishermen and optimize their production capacity.
“This initiative is part of our strategy to modernize artisanal fishing and support our fishing communities which play a key role in the national economy,” said the Minister.
These announcements come in a context where fishing remains a vital sector for Senegal, representing approximately 3.2% of the national GDP and employing hundreds of thousands of Senegalese, directly or indirectly. Modernizing infrastructure and improving working conditions in this sector are essential to address the economic, social and environmental challenges it faces.
Thus, with the establishment of this laboratory and the inauguration of the Joal quay, Senegal is taking an important step to ensure sustainable, competitive fishing that meets international standards.
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