Japan to fund fishing complex in Owia

St Vincent and the Grenadines and Japan have signed a US$4.7 million agreement for the construction of a fishing complex in the rural village of Owia.

Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Montgomery Daniel, said that the project will increase fish landing and catching in the North Windward village. He told the media that at present there were 33 fishing vessels operating within the area and 120 individuals directly involved in the industry.{{more}}

Japanese Ambassador Koichiro Seki said that one of the aims of the project is to reduce unemployment and increase a food supply source for St Vincent. To this end, the ambassador said his country was very pleased to have funded the project.

Construction is expected to start in May 2007 and will include civil works, fish storage facilities and facilities for fish distribution.

It is being implemented by the Japan international Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.