President Patrick Hermine stated that the country had proposed a 7% annual increase to the European Union under the tuna fishing agreement.
Initially, the Seychelles wanted a 30% increase, while the EU only offered 3%, far from what the government wanted.
President Hermine explained that current circumstances, with the conflict in the Middle East, had forced the country to propose this 7% increase.
“We tried to get more for our resources. The European Union explained why it was not able to accept the 30%, which was in line with inflation over the last six years,” said President Hermine.
« Last Thursday, Minister Cosgrow held the final round of negotiations and, in the end, we were forced to concede the 7%, » said President Patrick Herminie.
The head of state explained that one of the reasons for this concession is the conflict in the Middle East, which is putting a lot of pressure on the country’s economy.
He explained that, during the Covid epidemic, the fishing sector functioned very well.
This is what allowed the Seychelles to cope with the lack of tourists.
« It was not possible to enter into another confrontation for the fishing sector. So, we made this proposal and now all that remains is to sign the agreement, » said President Hermine.
The fishing agreement between the European Union and the Seychelles expired on February 23.
Key points of the agreement (2020-2026):
The agreement provides fishing opportunities for up to 40 purse seiners (France, Spain, Italy) and 8 longliners (France, Spain, Portugal).
The financial contribution amounts to 5.3 million euros per year, including 2.5 million euros for access rights (tonnes of tuna per year) and 2.8 million euros of sectoral support for the Seychelles fisheries policy.
The agreement also supports the blue economy, maritime security, the rehabilitation of Victoria Harbour and the fight against illegal (IUU) fishing.
source : seychelles news agency
