- 22nd July 2020
Rome, 22 July 2020 – Organized by UNIDO ITPO Italy and UNIDO Somalia in collaboration with the Government of Somalia, the “Technical Seminar on Fishery Equipment and Cold Chain in Somalia” took place on 22 July, in order to promote know-how exchange and technology transfer between Italian and Somali SMEs and increase investment opportunities within the Somali cold chain and fishery equipment sector.
The online event was held on a virtual platform so as to limit the spread of Covid-19, gathering more than 50 participants, speakers and representatives from prominent Italian and Somali institutions, associations, small-and-medium enterprises and other stakeholders in the field. Notably, the Somali Ministry of Commerce and Industry also attended the event.
“The Italian business community can play a pivotal role in the reconstruction process that will affect Somalia in the forthcoming years, especially through the network of SMEs” highlighted Ms. Diana Battaggia, Head of UNIDO ITPO Italy during her opening remarks. “Moreover, SMEs play a significant role in achieving the SDGs and can contribute to solve some of the core issues for the 2030 Agenda”.
Featuring multiple interventions by relevant Italian companies and associations – among which Federpesca, Consorzio Pescato Procidano, Consorzio Sviluppo ittico toscano, Mediterranea Reti, AS Labruna, Assoittica Italia, Movinox, New Cold System, and Self Globe – presenting their innovative solutions to the Somali counterparts, the multi-panel discussion promoted technological upgrade in the Somali fishery equipment sector and fish processing, conservation and supply chain, by introducing alternative fishing models, advanced boat engines, efficient systems for the production and packaging of fishing nets and quality refrigeration in the frozen-food industry.
A delegation of more than 20 Somali SMEs had also the opportunity to illustrate their business activities in the areas of production, service and trading of agro-fishery and seafood products, in order to foster potential new partnerships.
“Access to technology is a starting point to establish market networks and support economic growth in the Somali fishery sector”, commented Mr. Ygor Scarcia, UNIDO Somalia Industrial Development Expert & Officer in Charge.
By facilitating the exchange of technical expertise and best practices, the Technical Seminar succeeded in advancing cooperation between Italian and Somali SMEs, with the aim to accelerate Inclusive and Sustainable Industrial Development (ISID) in the cold chain and fishery equipment sector of Somalia.
The initiative “Technical Seminar on Fishery Equipment and Cold Chain in Somalia” is part of the project “Agro-Technology Development for Economic Growth in South and Central Somalia”, funded by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) and implemented by UNIDO.
Agenda Technical Seminar on fishery[1] |