Chinese company promises to build processing plant

Nov 08, 2013 News

– Once Govt. approves fishing operations

By Keeran Danny

The possibility exists that a Chinese firm would be establishing a fish processing plant in Guyana. This is the same company that has engaged Government to secure licences to conduct deep sea fishing in Guyana’s waters.
This was revealed by Agriculture Minister, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, who was responding to a query by Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Member of Parliament, as to whether the company would be operating factory ships and exporting the products.
According to Dr. Ramsammy, in a letter to Government the company indicated its interest in establishing a processing plant in Guyana. However, the Minister was not specific as to whether the processing plant would be established on land or water.
He related that the operations of the company would have to be stated in its proposal, which would allow Government to make a decision.
According to Dr. Ramsammy, no agreements or Memoranda of Understanding have been signed between Government and the Chinese entity – the only company that has formally requested to fish in Guyana’s deep waters.
He said no agreement has been made for a study to be conducted in the deep sea fishing ground. For the company to inform Government of the large fish species it would like to harvest, it would likely have to engage in research. This has to be indicated in the proposal for permission.
Word of the Chinese firm getting involved in fishing has worried many dependent on the industry for their livelihood. They are aware of the depleting fish stock and restrictions within the sector to prevent overfishing.
In an attempt to secure the trade and territory, Guyana Association of Trawler Owners and Seafood Processors (GATOSP) President, Leslie Ramalho, had dispatched a letter for an audience with the Agriculture Minister.
Ramsammy indicated his willingness to meet with GATOSP and said a meeting with the group was in the making before this issue arose.
He stated that the company was informed that no consideration would be given to the fishing of seabobs and prawns. Trawlers that go 40 miles out catch seabobs and prawns. He said there are currently restrictions on the number of vessels to prevent overfishing.
Another limitation the company could encounter is the fishing of those stocks that need external approval. Dr. Ramsammy explained, “Some of them we have indicated are not dependent on Guyana alone, but we must have approval from ICAP, for example, like tuna, which is a quota system around the world, and Guyana would not be able to do that. There is no indication that they are interested in tuna. That is the present situation as far as I know.”
Dr. Ramsammy indicated that operations of the company would not affect artisanal fishing. “Fishing in Guyana is done by artisanal fishers. Their boats cannot go too fast, as such, the company would not be granted licence where the local fishermen are operating.”
When asked of Government’s intentions to lay proposals concerning the venture in the National Assembly, Dr. Ramsammy said it is a business engagement and some parts are between the business enterprise and Government. However, all agreements made are open to scrutiny.

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Chinese company promises to build processing plant

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