The Ministry of Fisheries and the Blue Economy of the Republic of Seychelles and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries Wealth and Water Resources of the Sultanate of Oman have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance cooperation in the fields of fisheries and the blue economy.
The MoU marks a significant milestone in the bilateral relations between the two nations, establishing a framework for collaboration in a broad range of areas. These include technology transfer and research in fisheries and marine biotechnology, capacity building, private sector development, sustainable aquaculture, fisheries data management, and combating illegal fishing. It also promotes joint projects, knowledge exchange on fishery harbours, and cooperation in value-added industries and modern monitoring technologies.
Speaking at the signing, Principal Minister and Minister responsible for Fisheries and the Blue Economy, Mr. Jean-François Ferrari emphasised the importance of the agreement in deepening Seychelles’ partnership with the Sultanate of Oman:
“The signing of this MoU is not just symbolic. It solidifies our relationship and signals our shared commitment to advancing sustainable fisheries and blue economy practices. We want to see an active and impactful partnership unfold from this agreement.”
In return, H.E. Mr. Saud Bin Hilal Al Shidhani, the non-resident Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to Seychelles, extended an invitation for an exchange visit to Oman, encouraging further engagement and collaboration. The Ambassador also praised the swift and efficient negotiation process, highlighting that this MoU was finalised in under two years—an impressive feat considering similar agreements can take five to seven years.
Both parties discussed the implementation of an execution plan to guide the roll-out of joint activities. Principal Minister Ferrari also expressed Seychelles’ interest in having specialists from the Seychelles Fisheries Authority (SFA) visit Oman to learn from the facilities and innovations that Seychelles aims to replicate.
This strategic partnership opens new opportunities for investment, knowledge exchange, and innovation across the fisheries value chain. It reinforces both countries’ shared vision of sustainable and technologically advanced fisheries and blue economy sectors.
In attendance at the witnessing of the signing of the MoU were high-ranking officials from the Ministry of Fisheries and the Blue Economy, the SFA, as well as the Honorary Consul of the Sultanate of Oman in Seychelles, Mr. Frank Hoareau.
