- Fisheries MOU Signed Just 2 Years After Maritime Safety MOU (2017)

MOF announced that it signed “Korea-Philippines MOU on fisheries cooperation” with the Philippines Agriculture Secretary William D. Dar on 26 November (Tue).

The MOU, proposed by the Philippines early this year, is mainly on ▲ science/technology data and information exchange on fisheries and fish farming ▲ expert exchange/joint study ▲ holding training programs/ conferences ▲ improving promotion/investment in fisheries areas. Both countries agreed to hold regular joint committee on fisheries (annual committee to be hold alternatively), and to discuss cooperative projects such as ODA.

Thus far, bilateral cooperative projects on fisheries have been conducted through KOICA’s ODA* projects, all of which will be finalized by this year. Hence, this MOU will establish a ground to expand fisheries cooperation with the Philippines, which is a major fisheries nation** of Southeast Asia.

* Fish Port Restoration Project(`15～`19, 5.67billion KRW), Eco-friendly fish farming in Mangrove Forest (`16～`19, 2.2billion KRW)
** The Philippines is world’s 12th largest fish producing country, with 1.89 million tons per year. Farmed fish production is the world’s 10th largest, with 820,000 ton (as of ‘17. FAO statistics (published on August 2019)

In the oceans and fisheries sectors, Korea and the Philippines signed several MOUs such as STCW Agreement (2005) in maritime affairs sector, MOU on Maritime Safety Cooperation(2017), MOU in oceans sector between Korea Hydrographic & Oceanographic Agency and the Philippines National Mapping & Resource Information Authority (2015), and MOU on port development cooperation (2012). However, this is the first MOU on fisheries area, showing that the final foundation has been laid for comprehensive bilateral cooperation in all oceans/fisheries areas between two countries.

Minister MOON, Seong-Hyeok said “this MOU has set up a foundation for all areas of Korea-Philippines oceans/fisheries cooperation. MOF plans to continue cooperation through Korea-Philippines joint fisheries committee, so that fisheries industries of both countries can mutually develop.”