Muscat – The meeting, which began today, May 13, in Bangkok, Thailand, is set to continue until May 17.
Heading Oman’s delegation at the IOTC is H.E. Engineer Yaqoub bin Khalfan Al Busaidi, Undersecretary for Fisheries at the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources.
The meeting will delve into various topics across the compliance committee, fisheries management standards committee, and the administration and financial affairs committee, alongside the main committee session for member state delegations. Additionally, a meeting of the Group of 16, comprising coastal countries in the Indian Ocean, is also scheduled to take place.
During the meeting, Oman reiterated its commitment to fostering a productive and diversified economy through innovation, role integration, and equal opportunities. It emphasized its dedication to achieving comprehensive and sustainable development aligned with the objectives outlined in Oman Vision 2040. This national blueprint serves as a guiding framework for economic and social planning from 2021 to 2040, shaping strategies for national and five-year development plans while remaining adaptable to local, regional, and global dynamics.
Oman emphasized the significance it places on tuna fisheries issues discussed within the scope of the IOTC. These discussions are pivotal as efforts are underway to cultivate a productive fish sector that is both environmentally sustainable and a robust contributor to the economy.
It is noteworthy that Oman became a member of the Indian Ocean Tuna Fisheries Commission in 2000. The Commission plays a crucial role in regulating tuna fisheries across the Indian Ocean, with 31 countries holding full membership and two countries participating as non-contracting cooperatives.
