Tanzania has called on South Korea to deepen its support for the proposed Bagamoyo Smart Fishing Port and a National Fish Quality Laboratory, in efforts to strengthen the country's fisheries sector and unlock the economic potential of the blue economy.
The appeal was made by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, Ms Agnes Kisaka Meena, during talks with South Korea’s Deputy Minister for Policy in the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, Mr Seo Jeong-ho, on November 7, 2026.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of the World Ocean Forum in South Korea, where the two sides reviewed progress in their cooperation on fisheries development under a Memorandum of Understanding signed between their respective ministries.
Ms Meena thanked the South Korean Government for its continued support, particularly in developing Tanzania's capacity to manage marine resources and improve fisheries productivity.
She cited South Korea's support for the establishment of a Satellite Application Centre for Ocean and Fisheries Management at the Tanzania Fisheries Research Institute (TAFIRI).
The initiative also includes training Tanzanian experts in the use of satellite information to monitor marine activities and improve the management of ocean and fisheries resources.
On the proposed Bagamoyo Smart Fishing Port, Ms Meena briefed her counterpart on preparations for the project and requested South Korea's continued involvement in completing the feasibility study and supporting its construction.
The proposed port is expected to strengthen fisheries infrastructure and improve the handling and management of fish catches, creating opportunities to increase the value of fisheries products.
She also presented a concept note for the establishment of a National Fish Quality Laboratory, which would help ensure that fishery products meet safety and quality standards.
The facility is expected to strengthen quality control, protect consumers and improve the competitiveness of Tanzanian fishery products in domestic and international markets.
In response, Mr Jeong-ho pledged to prioritise the proposed fish quality laboratory project and continue supporting preparations for the Bagamoyo Smart Fishing Port, including the feasibility study.
The discussions underline the importance of international cooperation in addressing infrastructure, technology and quality-control gaps that could constrain Tanzania's efforts to derive greater economic benefits from its marine resources.
Ms Meena is in South Korea at the invitation of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries to attend the World Ocean Forum. She is accompanied by officials and experts from TAFIRI and the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries.