–NaFAA engages Banks, Financial Institutions
The National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA) has been holding talks with local and International Partners and Banks to ensure the financial empowerment of fisheries stakeholders across Liberia, the NaFAA’s Deputy Director General for Administration has disclosed.
Speaking Tuesday during a major stakeholders meeting at NaFAA’s Pier Office on Bushrod Island, Mr. Augustine Manoballah named LBDI as one of the many partners they have talked with to enhance the operations of fisheries stakeholders across the nine coastal Counties.
Deputy Director General Manoballah further said LBDI is currently working out modalities to provide loans for Liberians interested in aquaculture or fish farming across the Country to financially empower them as a means of expanding their businesses to secure more employment for the Liberian workforce, a press release from the NaFAA said.
Mr. Manoballah maintained that this venture when materialized will also reduce the huge importation of fish products in Liberia and at the same time lead to drastic increment of fish products on the local markets, affording ordinary Liberians the opportunity to have fish in their diet.
However, the NaFAA Deputy Director for Administration mentioned that LBDI Authorities are much concerned about the payment of their loans to those in the fisheries sector as other beneficiaries in other sector have defaulted in payment overtime.
The Fisheries Authority official also told the gathering of Stakeholders at the Mesurado Piers of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority that they have plans to assist those in the sector interested in importing fisheries related products into Liberia.
But he cautioned those in the sector to work with NaFAA as they work with relevant government entities including the Liberia Revenue Authority LRA to reduce tariff on goods imported for the Users Benefit.
Several of the stakeholders attending the meeting included Representatives from Trans Oceanian Maritime Agency, Caroline, and Mohammed Frozen Foods. Others are: Baba Frozen Food, Scodi Liberia and Liberia Artisanal Fishermen Association (LAFA).
The Stakeholders commended the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA) for initiating such fruitful discussion and promised to work with the current administration for the improvement of their businesses in the fisheries sector.