MIKATI LAUNCHES FISHERIES AND AQUACULTURE DEVELOPMENT PLAN

Caretaker Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, on Friday presided over the launch of the Ministry of Agriculture's "Fisheries and Aquaculture Sector Development Plan" at the Grand Serail. The event saw the participation of Ministers Abbas Hajj Hassan (Agriculture), Youssef Khalil (Finance), and Johnny Corm (Telecommunications), alongside MPs Farid Boustani, Fadi Alameh, and Ayoub Hmeid. Several ambassadors, diplomatic mission heads, international organizations, and economic figures also attended. Prime Minister Mikati addressed the gathering, stating, "In the midst of the ongoing Israeli aggression on southern Lebanon and continuous violations of our land, air, and sea, some may think discussing a plan to develop the fisheries sector is untimely. However, Lebanon's historical popularity for its fishing ports and its vital fishery resources warrant attention and planning. Lebanon's rich and diverse Mediterranean coastline holds significant untapped potential that has been overlooked due to pollution, neglect, and l ack of strategic planning." Mikati commended Agriculture Minister Abbas Hajj Hassan for launching this strategy from the Grand Serail, highlighting the importance of supporting those working in the fisheries sector. "This plan aims to open investment opportunities in a new sector, promoting healthy investment in the renewal and development of marine fisheries. It underscores the importance of a healthy and sound partnership between the public and private sectors,' Mikati noted. The PM further advocated for regional collaboration, inviting neighboring countries to invest in Lebanon, confident in the potential for integrated Arab food security. In turn, Minister Abbas Hajj Hassan emphasized that the launch of the plan aligns with the Ministry of Agriculture's broader strategy, which includes digitization and modernization of the sector. He outlined past initiatives, such as the national plan to boost the wheat sector and achieve self-sufficiency. Hajj Hassan also highlighted the commercial potential of Leb anon's fishery resources, noting, "Lebanon has large commercial quantities of various fish species in its waters, which are twice the size of its land area. Our goal is to secure food security, both plant and animal, through optimal use of available resources." The Agriculture Ministern then praised the resilience and capability of Lebanon, asserting, "Despite all difficulties, Lebanon, with the determination of its people and leaders, can overcome its internal crises and the arrogant Israeli enemy, which attacks our agricultural lands, cities, children, and women. This aggression is a violation of humanity and international law." Hajj Hassan thanked Prime Minister Mikati, Speaker Nabih Berri, supporting bodies, organizations, and local and international partners. He extended a warm welcome to all participants, celebrating Lebanon's spirit of resilience and unity. "Welcome to Beirut, a city longing for life. Welcome to a nation of fishermen who have turned pain into hope and victory. Welcome to a country o f cedars, saints, and diverse coexistence. Welcome to a new partnership, building today and tomorrow with our closest Arab brothers and international friends,' Hajj Hassan concluded. Source: National news agency - Lebanon