South west marine businesses will meet representatives of the Minister of Blue Economy in Zanzibar today at an event aimed to enhance sustainability and decarbonisation in the marine Sector.
Captain Hamad Bakar Hamad, director of Blue Economy and Coordination; Dr Salum Soud Hemed, director Fisheries and Aquaculture and Dr Amir Haidar Mshenga, executive director of Zanzibar Fishing Corporation, will be briefed on the Blue Economy capability in the south west.
The event, hosted by DIT (the Department for International Trade) and Business West, DIT’s delivery partner in the south west, will also feature presentations from marine biologists, marine sector specialists at DIT and businesses hoping to secure trade deals with Zanzibar.
Among the businesses is Penzance Dry Dock, a manufacturer of multi-purpose fishing vessels which include low-emission propulsion systems.
CEO, Jamie Murphy, said: “This event is hugely important to Penzance Dry Dock because it gives us a platform to showcase our new vessels and expertise to new markets.”
Total UK exports to Tanzania amounted to £138 million in the four quarters to the end of Q3 2021 (an increase of 0.7% or £1 million compared to the four quarters to the end of Q3 2020), showing the significant and increasing export opportunities for UK businesses in the market.
Ian Mclaren, marine sector specialist at DIT, said: “This event is a fantastic opportunity for south west businesses in the marine sector to boost their exports in Zanzibar, a market which is dedicated to engaging in trade relationships that are supporting it to implement The Great Blue Wall Initiative. This is an international movement which aims to protect marine areas and counteract the effects of climate change.
“With the south west of England being the largest maritime cluster in the UK, this event offers a significant opportunity for businesses in the region offering products which aim to decarbonise and make the sector more sustainable.”
