Fish4ACP launched in São Tomé and Príncipe

The Fish4ACP programme, an initiative of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS)  which ensures economic, social and environmental sustainability of fisheries and aquaculture value chains, was launched in São Tomé and Principe, one of the 12 beneficiary countries.

Among other high-level officials, the EU Ambassador for Gabon, São Tomé and Príncipe and for the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), Rosario Bento Pais, and Francisco Ramos, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Rural Development of São Tomé and Principe, joined the launching event.

Bento Pais highlighted the EU support of about USD 40 million to this regional programme and mentioned the good uptake for the economic development of the 12 countries, where the programme is being implemented, improving inclusion and sustainability of the fisheries value chain.

FAO representatives mentioned the strategic axes of the programme, which assist small and medium enterprises with market access and quality products, as well as provide better working conditions along the value chain.

The meeting was closed by Argentino Pires dos Santos, FAO Assistant Representative (Programme) in São Tomé and Príncipe. The event was also attended by other representatives of government entities, non-governmental organizations and representatives of industry, traders and fisherfolk.

The Fish4ACP programme is financed by the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Cooperation and Development and implemented by FAO. The programme will run for a period of 5 years.