A technical seminar promoting investment opportunities in the Somali fisheries sector
MOGADISHU & ROME, July 22nd 2020 — As part of the ongoing project “Agro-Technology Development for Economic Growth in South and Central Somalia”, funded by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) UNIDO has organized a “Technical Seminar on Fisheries Equipment and Cold Chain in Somalia”. The digital event was organized by UNIDO Somalia Programme team in partnership with UNIDO Investment Technology and Promotion Office (ITPO) Italy, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry of the Federal Government of Somalia , the Somali Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Somalia Network of Enterprise Development Units (EDUs) in Mogadishu, Kismayo and Baidoa.
Featuring multiple interventions by relevant Italian companies and associations — among which Federpesca, Consorzio Pescato Procidano, Consorzio Sviluppo ittico toscano, Mediterranea Reti, AS Labruna, Assoittica Italia, Movinox, New Cold System, and Self Globe — presenting their innovative solutions to the Somali counterparts, the multi-panel discussion promoted technological upgrade in the Somali fisheries equipment sector and fish processing, conservation and supply chain, by introducing alternative fishing models, advanced boat engines, efficient systems for the production and packaging of fishing nets and quality refrigeration in the frozen-food industry.
A delegation of more than 20 Somali SMEs had also the opportunity to illustrate their business activities in the areas of production, service and trading of agro-fishery and seafood products, in order to foster potential new partnerships.
SMEs play a significant role in achieving the SDGs and can contribute to solve some of the core issues outlined in the 2030 Agenda. To this point, access to technology is the starting point to establish market networks and support economic growth in the Somali fisheries sector. By facilitating the exchange of technical expertise and best practices, the Technical Seminar succeeded in advancing cooperation between Somali and Italian SMEs, with the aim to accelerate Inclusive and Sustainable Industrial Development (ISID) in the cold chain and fisheries equipment sector in Somalia.
