Fisheries and Aquaculture competitiveness in ACP countries will receive a strong boost from an Intra-ACP allocation of the European Development Fund (EDF) aimed at enhancing the key role that Fisheries and Aquaculture could play in social and economic development across African, Caribbean and Pacific countries. It is well recognized that Fisheries and Aquaculture make a significant positive contribution to employment creation, revenue generation, and food security- all of which are crucial for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, especially SDG14 on Oceans, Seas and Marine Resources.

President Danny Faure received the Secretary General of the African Caribbean and Pacific Group of States (ACP), Dr Patrick Gomes, at State House today. Dr Gomes is in Seychelles on an official visit to further discuss follow up actions by the ACP Secretariat for implementation of the ACP Negotiating Mandate for the Post Cotonou Partnership Agreement.

President Hage Geingob says Namibia will not back down from its position that the Caribbean and Pacific island states be part of the Cotonou agreement post 2020.

The Cotonou Agreement is the trade agreement between the European Union (EU) and the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) group of states. The agreement was signed in 2000 and expires in 2020.

Click to watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-7PjvXs4_s&feature=youtu.be 

“During my lifetime I have dedicated myself to this struggle of the African people. I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.”

BRUSSELS ACP/IDN – The heads of state or government of the 28 EU member states, constituting the European Council, have authorized the European Commission to open negotiations for a new partnership agreement with 79 countries in Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific (ACP). The Group's Secretary-General Dr. Patrick I. Gomes has greeted the decision.

Fish and seafood is one of the most traded food commodities in the world. Some 38 per cent of world production enters international trade, of which more than half originates in developing countries. Global exports reached 153 US$ billion in 2017, slightly up compared to 2016. The net trade income for developing countries (export – import), valued at US$ 36 billion in 2016, is greater than all other agricultural commodities combined.

https://youtu.be/W1o20_aQw7w

Madame Chairperson of the Committee of Ambassadors, Secretary-General of the ACP Group, Your Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Bula Vinaka and a very good afternoon to you all.