KUWAIT CITY, May 4: The Kuwait Fishermen’s Union has announced plans to import fish and sell it at cost price, with a modest profit margin, marking a significant shift in the union's approach to the country's fish market.

During a meeting between the union’s council and the director of the Ministry of Agriculture, the mechanisms for implementing this new approach were discussed, as well as the challenges facing the fishing sector and local markets.

Abdullah Al-Sarheed, head of the Kuwait Fishermen's Union, indicated the keenness of the new board of directors of the Fishermen's Union to implement its strategy to reduce fish prices and make seafood affordable to consumers. He explained that their meeting was fruitful and purposeful, as it aimed to coordinate with the Public Authority for Agriculture Affairs and Fish Resources (PAAAFR) to overcome the challenges facing fishermen and inform officials at the authority of the union's new vision regarding the fishing sector, its development, and achieving the aspirations of fishermen and the general public in providing marine food security at affordable prices. He added that the union is in the process of managing a large portion of its designated stalls and has developed a future plan to import fish and sell it at cost price.

The union's initiative aims to stabilize the local seafood market and ensure a steady supply of both local and imported fish at competitive prices. Officials from the Ministry of Agriculture have expressed support for the union's developmental approach and pledged to examine the submitted proposals and work toward resolving issues facing licensed fishermen.

Al-Sarheed voiced optimism about the upcoming phase of collaboration between the union and the ministry, which he believes will help advance shared objectives, particularly in the realm of marine food security. In conclusion, Al-Sarheed affirmed the union’s dedication to serving both the national fishing community and the broader public satisfaction. “We are here to serve all fishermen, and likewise, we are committed to serving the people of Kuwait. It is our duty to ensure the availability of diverse fish species, whether local or imported, to meet public needs. We extend our hand in cooperation to all stakeholders to advance the public interest and promote the growth of this vital sector,” he added.