Focus on Fisheries Cooperation
The UN?s Fisheries Training Programme Director visits Mumbai and Delhi
Dr. Tómasson met with officials at the Fishery Survey of India in Mumbai on 22 May. During his subsequent three day visit to New Delhi, Dr. Tómasson, accompanied by the Ambassador and the Embassy’s Trade Advisor, had meetings with Ms. Charusheela Soni, Secretary, and Mr. Ajay Bhattacharya, Joint Secretary, at the Ministry of Agriculture and Dr. S. Ayyapan, Deputy Director General, Fisheries, the Indian Council of Agriculture Research.
The United Nations University Fisheries Training Programme is funded and operated by the Government of Iceland.
Ways to strengthen fisheries cooperation between India and Iceland, particularly through the appropriate student training programmes at the United Nations University, figured prominently in the talks. Three Indian students are expected to take part in training programmes of the University starting later this year.
India is the third largest fish producer in the world. Fisheries is an important sector of the Indian economy, contributing to livelihoods and poverty alleviation with 1,4% of GDP and 3% of foreign currency earnings.
A draft memorandum of understanding on sustainable fisheries development between India and Iceland has been approved by the Governments of both countries.
