Georgetown, GINA, January 23, 2004

Guyana has officially been given the green light to export fishery products to European countries. A certificate, placing Guyana on list one of exporters, was handed over to Minister of Fisheries, Crops and Livestock, Satyadeow Sawh by Head of the delegation of the European Commission, Per Eklund at Le Meridien Pegasus.
Guyana has fulfilled the necessary requirements of compliance by establishing legislation, regulatory framework, laboratory facilities and processing plant. Guyana began the process to pave the way for certification in 1999.
Minister Sawh noted that the fisheries industry has been one of the strongest pillars in the agriculture sector and the certification opens more avenues for growth with the industry. The certification is another Government Manifesto promise kept.
He noted that the industry must forge ahead with development and expansion, while keeping in mind a sustainable approach to Guyana’s marine resources.
The Minister reiterated that while Guyana is currently at an advantage with price and quality, producers in the fisheries industry must ensure that quality remains an important element.
Minister Sawh further emphasized that Guyana must ensure that high standards are set so that similar certifications will follow.
He hoped that for the future development, the industry can soon began to export canned fish.
Mr. Eklund noted that Guyana has great potential in terms of resources and it is time to use its resources to the fullest.
He said that the European fisheries market is huge, Euro $24.6 billion. Euro $22 billion of that is imported, and shows clear signs of increase in seafood consumption.
To attain compliance, Guyana had satisfactorily convinced the EU that it is capable of providing quality products, proper storage and dispatch of fisheries products.
Noble House Seafood is currently one of the few businesses prepared to export to the EU.
With the new market, it is anticipated that Guyana will be given the opportunity to seek alternative markets from fisheries products.
Several Government, private sector and international agencies have collaborated and have ensured that Guyana attain high certification level.
Invitees included Minister of Foreign Trade and International Cooperation, Clement Rohee, Minister of Health (Ag) Jennifer Webster, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Fisheries, Crops and Livestock, Bowen Balkarran, United States Ambassador to Guyana, Ronald Bullen and representatives from the public and private sectors