Taiwan aids inland fisheries

In addition to our rich coastline, Belize also boasts numerous rivers and lagoons, and there’s no doubt that tremendous potential exists to derive economic benefits from these natural resources. And developing that potential is exactly what Belize is planning to do. Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Sergio Garcia, today convened a meeting of fisheries vice ministers from Central America to discuss a multi-million dollar regional project, in which Belize figures prominently.

Sergio Garcia, C.E.O., Ministry of Fisheries

“What we have is a regional meeting of the vice Ministers for Fisheries. Because what we want to do is initiate a project that is funded by the R.O.C. And definitely, it’s about for three point three million U.S., looking at fresh water fisheries in lakes, lagoons, and dams. And I think that Belize, holding the presidency right now, will initiate the chairmanship of this project where we will discuss our annual work plans and implement the operational work plan.”

“The project is headquartered through the SICA system, which is based in El Salvador. What will happen is that each country will develop its own work program to fit within the regional program of work. So I believe we can benefit directly from it.”

Garcia says the project has already been approved by Taiwan and what was discussed today were the work plans for the different countries so disbursements can begin. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Taiwan, Eugene Chien, also attended the meeting.