Indonesia-China strengthen cooperation in fisheries sector: Minister

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) Sakti Wahyu Trenggono strengthened cooperation in the fisheries sector with China while accompanying President Prabowo Subianto's state visit to the country.

Trenggono signed the Technical Cooperation Guidelines (TCG) with Chinese Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Han Jun in Beijing on Saturday (November 9).

The signing was witnessed by President Prabowo and Chinese President Xi Jinping at a state meeting.

The TCG signing is part of the Implementation of Arrangement the two parties had signed in early September last year. This signing also strengthened the cooperation between the two countries on fisheries.

"China is our strategic cooperation partner and is included in our top five fisheries markets. This TCG signing can strengthen our cooperation in the fisheries sector," Trenggono remarked in a statement received from his office here Sunday.

According to him, the TCG covers 12 parts of Indonesia-China cooperation arrangements, including joint ventures, vessels, and fishing quotas. Meanwhile, the scope of cooperation includes fish captures and fisheries products procession in accordance with the legal basis in Indonesia.

It also includes agreements related to the construction of onshore fisheries facilities, including fishing ports,  and exchange of skills, training, and relevant data related to the fisheries sector, he said.

"Our collaboration will also ensure the fulfillment of the welfare of fisheries workers and improving the community welfare near fishing areas by increasing the downstream sector of fishery products," Trenggono disclosed.

In the implementation, both parties are committed to carrying out strict and continuous supervision and evaluation so the fish resources and marine environment can be maintained and to prevent illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing activities (IUU Fishing), he said.

The TCG is a strategic agreement to realize food security and an opportunity to increase state revenue for the welfare of fishing communities, he added.