Cape Verde Seeks Japan Partnership for Fishing Industry
Cape Verde is looking to deepen its ties with Japan to transform its fishing industry from a traditional trade into a modern industrial powerhouse. The archipelago’s Minister of the Sea, Jorge Santos, made the call for a strategic partnership on Thursday, emphasizing that the nation is ready for a new era of maritime development.
A Shift Toward Industrialization
Speaking on the island of São Vicente, Minister Santos outlined a vision that goes beyond simple fishing rights. While Japanese vessels currently operate in Cape Verdean waters, the Minister expressed a desire for a deeper collaborative framework between the two nations.
“We want to have Japan as a partner for the industrialization of fishing in Cape Verde,” Santos stated. “Our goal is not only to have Japanese boats operating in our waters but also to establish strategies between businesspeople from both countries to develop industrial fishing on a larger scale.”
The Minister highlighted that the sector already possesses the necessary science, knowledge, and market potential, but requires the right investment and technological scaling to thrive. Currently, a bilateral agreement allows 35 Japanese vessels to fish at least 18 miles off the Cape Verdean coast, utilizing up to 42 fishing licenses.
Expanding the “Blue Economy”
The vision for the partnership extends beyond the nets. Santos indicated that Cape Verde is seeking Japanese investment across the broader “blue economy,” including marine technology and coastal tourism. He emphasized that the country is looking for “strong action from Japan” to unlock new business opportunities and technological advancements across multiple industries.
Direct Support for Local Communities
The call for industrialization coincided with a significant equipment donation from the Japanese government. Japanese Ambassador Izawa Osamu delivered more than 2 million euros worth of critical gear to support artisanal fishing communities on the islands of São Nicolau, Brava, and Santo Antão.
The donation includes:
- 100 outboard motors for local boats
- Three ice-making machines and 50 thermal preservation boxes
- Two refrigerated trucks for transport
- Two new seven-meter fishing vessels
This equipment is aimed at improving the efficiency and safety of local fishermen and vendors, ensuring that the catch remains fresh and reaches markets in peak condition.
Ongoing Diplomatic Cooperation
The relationship between the two nations continues to strengthen on multiple fronts. Beyond the maritime sector, Cape Verde is set to sign a food assistance agreement with Japan on Friday worth approximately 913,000 euros, further solidifying the diplomatic and humanitarian bond between the two countries.
Image: Pexels – Mike van Schoonderwalt
