Brazil will provide technical assistance to MINEPIA to improve fish production.

The Minister of Livestock, Fisheries and Animal Industries, Dr. Taiga on March 20, 2012 in Yaounde signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MOU with the Ambassador of Brazil to Cameroon, Orlando Oliveira on the development of fishing in the country.

Entitled “Technical training within the framework of developing sustainable fish farming in Cameroon,” the agreement is expected to go a long way in bridging the shortfall between fish demand and supply that now stands at 1,300 metric tonnes a year. The agreement is the follow up to the agricultural and food security MOU signed between the two countries on August 4, 2010 in the presence of their heads of state.

According to Minister Taiga, the cooperation is expected to boost the fishery sector in Cameroon. Some of the expected outcomes are the training of 20 Cameroonian technicians in the production, processing and marketing of tilapia and cat fish; and the construction and rehabilitation of a modern production unit for fish feed.

Ambassador Oliveira announced that the 20 technicians will travel to Brazil this week for the training. “From there, we can set up industries in fisheries,” he said, expressing the wish to extend Brazil’s expertise to other sectors. Also present at the event was the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Essimi Menye.