Liberia and Egypt Sign Historic Fisheries Cooperation Deal

The signing ceremony took place today Monday, November 25, 2024, in Cairo, Egypt, marking a significant milestone in the collaboration between the two nations.

The MoU focuses on several key areas, including aquaculture development, enhancing fisheries governance through monitoring, control, and surveillance (MCS), and strengthening cooperation to conduct scientific research programs.

"The primary aim of the MoU is to strengthen technical cooperation between Liberia and Egypt for mutual benefit and facilitate trade, thereby increasing private sector participation with a major goal to transition from a dominated subsistence Fish Farming sector to a fully-scale commercially viable Aquaculture Sector in Liberia," said a dispatch from Cairo.

The agreement will promote capacity-building opportunities for local farmers, students, and researchers, as well as an expert exchange program for the Fisheries Department at the University of Liberia and other tertiary institutions. Additionally, it will facilitate trade and link the private sectors of Egypt and Liberia, while also collaborating on MCS services and sharing technical knowledge and expertise.

"This MoU is a significant step forward in our efforts to develop the fisheries and aquaculture sector in Liberia," said Hon. Emma Metieh Glassco. "We are excited to work alongside our Egyptian counterparts to enhance our capabilities, increase trade, and ultimately, improve the livelihoods of our fishing communities."

The MoU is expected to have a far-reaching impact on the fisheries and aquaculture industry in Liberia, as it paves the way for increased investment, technology transfer, and sustainable development in the sector.