Unions and PAAFR join forces to negotiate reduced fish prices and enhance market equilibrium
A Fresh Approach to Fish Affairs: The Kuwaiti Fishermen's Union's Master Plan
The boss of the Kuwaiti Fishermen's Union, Abdullah Al-Sarheed, couldn't help but praise the constructive spirit shown by the Public Authority for Agriculture and Fish Resources (PAAFR). His gratitude was particularly aimed at Salem Al-Hai, the Authority's Chairman, and Marzouq Al-Habi, the Director of Licensing, who welcomed the newly-elected board of directors from the Union. The Union's team, led by Al-Sarheed, included Jaber Al-Ali as Vice Chairman and Barak Al-Subaie as Secretary.
In a presser following the get-together, Al-Sarheed highlighted the Board's resolve to carry out a strategic plan geared towards reducing fish prices and making seafood a wallet-friendly choice for consumers. He described the powwow as productive and in line with the Union's objective of forging partnerships with the Authority to tackle sector snags and present the Union's revamped vision for the sustainable development of the fishing industry.
Al-Sarheed also revealed that the Union's plans involve taking charge of a sizable portion of its designated market stalls and launching a future project to import fish and sell it at near-cost prices with minimal markups. The aim? Influencing selling patterns and ensuring a steady supply of local and imported fish at competitive rates.
The officials from the Authority endorsed the Union's developmental approach and vowed to scrutinize the proposals. They also pledged to help licensed fishermen overcome their difficulties. Al-Sarheed expressed optimism about the impending phase of cooperation between the Union and the Authority, believing it would propel progress in marine food security.
In conclusion, Al-Sarheed emphasized the Union's loyalty to both the national fishing community and the satisfaction of Kuwait's people. He stressed the necessity of ensuring access to diverse fish species, whether local or imported, to cater to public demands. The Union extended an olive branch of unity to all stakeholders, aiming to promote the prosperity of this crucial sector.
"We're here for every fisherman, and our dedication extends to the people of Kuwait. It's our responsibility to ensure a wide variety of fish species, whether domestic or imported, to meet the public's needs. We’re ready to team up with all parties interested in furthering the public good and propelling the growth of this essential sector," Al-Sarheed concluded.
The Kuwaiti Fishermen's Union's latest venture revolves around cutting fish prices and improving seafood accessibility through calculated market interventions. Key aspects of the plan include importing fish at cost-price with minimal markups to ensure affordability, taking charge of designated market stalls to control pricing and distribution, and increased collaboration with regulatory bodies. The alliance with the Ministry of Agriculture is intended to address sector challenges, including regulatory hurdles and supply-chain inefficiencies.
Following a meeting with the Ministry of Agriculture earlier this month (May 4, 2025), Ministry officials pledged their support for the Union's proposals and committed to addressing fishermen's concerns. However, the Union has continued pressing for government intervention to address persistent challenges within the fishing sector. The initiative's ultimate aim is to stabilize seafood prices by ensuring a stable supply of various fish species.
Looking ahead, the Union stresses long-term partnership with the Ministry to attain shared goals, particularly in securing sustainable marine resources, while maintaining a consumer-focus, prioritizing affordability and variety. The Union remains active in seeking partnerships to bolster the sector's growth and ensure its alignment with national interests.
- Abdullah Al-Sarheed, the chairman of the Kuwaiti Fishermen's Union, expressed their commitment to reducing fish prices and making seafood affordable for the public, as part of their strategic plan.
- The Kuwaiti Fishermen's Union's master plan also includes taking control of designated market stalls and importing fish at cost-price to ensure affordability, as a means to influence selling patterns and ensure a steady supply of fish.
- The Kuwaiti Fishermen's Union, in their latest venture, is seeking partnerships with regulatory bodies such as the Ministry of Agriculture, aiming to address sector challenges and align with national interests, with a focus on securing sustainable marine resources, affordability, and variety.
