Indonesia and Norway have agreed to boost cooperation in fisheries and maritime security during a recent bilateral meeting in Norway.
The agreement was reached earlier this week after Indonesian Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Minister Susi Pudjiastuti met Norwegian Fisheries Minister Elizabeth Aspaker in Trondheim, Norway.
During the bilateral meeting, Susi and Aspaker agreed to strengthen collaborations between the two countries in the development of aquaculture technology and a sustainable fishing industry and in the monitoring of illegal fishing.
Both countries also agreed to boost fisheries trade, with Aspaker suggesting that Indonesia take advantage of Norway’s zero tariff import policy on fisheries products.
The ministers also discussed the establishment of a bilateral consultation forum on fisheries, which was a follow up from a previous meeting between both countries’ foreign ministers in Oslo, in June.
The agreement with Norway is expected to help Indonesia fulfil its commitment to the creation of a sustainable fishing industry.
We want better marine conservation but at the same time we want to increase fish production, Susi said, as quoted by Antara news agency on Friday.
Norway, the world’s second largest fish producer, is known for its advanced technology in the fishing industry.
Meanwhile, Aspaker stated that Norway was ready to build on their cooperation with Indonesia, a country that she sees as an important partner in the fishing industry.
During her visit to Norway, Susi also held a meeting with several of Norway’s fishing and shipping firms, like Kongsberg, Aquaoptima/Aqualine, EWOS, Pharmaq, North Atlantic Seafood Forum, Morenot and Ulstein.
2015 PT. Niskala Media Tenggara