Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said that fisheries in India are a vital source of livelihood and food security, supporting more than 9 million fishermen, largely comprising small, traditional, and artisanal fishermen practising sustainable methods.

 

The minister said this while speaking at the Ministerial Session on Fisheries Subsidies at the World Trade Organisation’s 14th Ministerial Conference in Yaoundé, Cameroon. In a social media post, Mr Goyal said that during the session, he highlighted India’s proactive and historical conservation efforts, including the annual fishing ban. Mr Goyal also emphasised the need to ensure that emerging decisions remain fair and do not disproportionately impact vulnerable communities. 

 

Mr Goyal also held a meeting with Mozambique’s Minister of Economy, Basilio Zefanias Muhate, on the sidelines of the WTO’s conference. During the meeting, both sides exchanged views on the agenda of the conference and explored avenues to deepen trade and investment across key sectors of the two countries. Mr Goyal also conveyed India’s deep solidarity and continued commitment to support Mozambique in the aftermath of the recent devastating floods that affected many people.