STAFF WRITER
President Netumbo Nandi Ndaitwah has described the fishing industry as a key and priority sector of the economy that has strategic national assets that should be ‘sustainably managed and developed for the benefit of all Namibians.’
She said this on Wednesday while engaging stakeholders in the industry in Walvis Bay
The President said the resources derived through the fishing sector provide employment, skills, income, foreign exchange earnings, and nutrition, contributing towards food and nutrition security for our country.
“We have gathered here in Walvis Bay today, one of the important economic growth points of Namibia, for a deliberate and sincere engagement with the role players in the fishing industry,” she said.
She said her working visit to the coastal town is guided by the desire to listen,understand, and to reflect on the way forward for this vital sector.
“We recognise that the industry is not what it used to be. Over the years, changes have taken place, some necessary, others difficult, affecting jobs, livelihoods, and the daily realities of many Namibians. We will be informed and take note of the achievements that have been made in this important industry thus far,” she said.
The President said, ‘it is through open and constructive engagement with stakeholders that we can develop practical and responsive measures to address challenges facing the industry.”
She said while the fishing sector is undergoing a period of transition, concerns have been raised regarding certain practices and their impact on workers, businesses, and sustainability.
“We are not here to play a blame game. We have come to listen
with an open mind to those who experience the realities of this industry every day. I therefore encourage all participants to engage openly and constructively. Let us speak with honesty about what is working and where improvements are needed,”.
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