Suleiman Masoud Makame, the minister for Blue Economy and Fisheries, told the media that the signing indicates a good trend towards transforming the sector, noting that completion of projects in blue economy and marine products shall uplift Zanzibar’s economy.
The government is determined to ensure the development of the blue economy to improve the welfare of Zanzibaris, he stated, underlining that the projects will be a catalyst for realizing the vision of a blue economy. The projects are expected to be completed within six months, he said, elaborating that they will benefit Isles residents by creating jobs, with expectations of 450 people being directly or indirectly employed.
Dr Ameir Mshenga, executive director for the Zanzibar Fisheries Co. (ZAFICO), said the government is keenly implementing policies for developing the blue economy, citing directives from President Dr Hussein Mwinyi to enhance the blue economy through ZAFICO. The company was consulting potential investors to set up projects in the sub-sector, he said, noting that Hairu Engineering Co. has shown readiness to work with the corporation in developing the Isles’ blue economy.
The Sri Lankan firm will construct a fishing boat factory at the Fungurefu Mkokotoni area in North Unguja, expected to put out hundreds of boats in a few years, while collaborating with the government in sardineso packing and fish processing, construction of cold rooms for storage of marine products. Zainulabdeen Mohamed Hairu, the firm’s director general, said they have experienced employees set to share their skills with ZAFICO staff, assuring the government of full support in implementation of the projects. They will all be completed as scheduled, he added.