Mazara del Vallo (TP), 28 September - 1 October 2017 – Within the framework of the support provided to the fishery communities in West Africa, UNIDO ITPO Italy took part in Blue Sea Land, an event organized by the fishery district of Mazara del Vallo and aimed at presenting the regional excellences in the fisheries and agro-industry. The event, with several scheduled conferences and workshops, is aimed at promoting Green and Blue economy development, in the context of the circular economy extended to all productive chains, through the regeneration of natural resources, both marine and land.

UNIDO ITPO Italy intervened in the Panel "Focus Africa", presenting the existing opportunities in 4 West African Countries (Guinea, Senegal, Ivory Coast and Mauritania), in the framework of a technical assistance programme implemented by the Office during last months. The project envisages a training phase in favor of fishery communities and competent authorities, as well as a component aimed at favoring the creation of partnerships with the Italian companies involved in catching, in the cold chain and in fish processing and storage. The final objective is to increase the market access of these emergent economies, through the improvement of the final products’ SPS standards.

The event was enriched by the presence of the Vice President of Italian Chamber of Deputies, Hon. Luigi Di Maio, as well as the Under Secretary of State of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hon. Vincenzo Amendola, who addressed the conclusion speech talking about the efforts made by the Italian Government to face the migration crisis.