SET UP FISH PROCESSING FACTORIES, INVESTORS ADVISED
THEREis need for investments in fish processing value chain to stop the loss of millions of kwachas that foreign entities are enjoying through imports, Aquaculture Development Association of Zambia (ADAZ) Chairperson Fisho Mwale has said.
He said currently the country was losing a lot of forex in importation of finished fish products, hence the need for investors to set up factories to process fish.
Once that is done, he said, there will be no need for Zambia to import fish from China and other far markets.
Speaking in an interview, Mr Mwale said there was increased demand for processed fish which potential investors should take advantage of.
He said investors should set up factories to produce tinned fish, fish filets and other finished products for the local and regional market.
Mr Mwale also called on Zambians to increase fish production to meet local and regional demand.
He added that Zambia was strategically positioned to become the fish basket of Africa due abundant fresh water resource and friendly investment environment in the country.
He, however, said while the country has a deficit of 80,000 metric tons of fish annually, ADAZ was encouraged by the high number
of farmers who have ventured into fish farming.
Mr Mwale observed that removal of duty on selected aquaculture equipment for the next three years is going to support the growth of the sector as more local and foreign investors were now willing to venture into aquaculture value chain.
He said setting up of fish processing
plants will not only contribute to
Government revenue, but also help create more jobs in the fisheries subsector.
“The setting up of processing plants will not only contribute to the growth of economy, but will also help in creation of the much needed jobs for the thousands of youths that are roaming the streets because of lack of employment,” He said.