VICTORIA, Seychelles — The Seychelles Fisheries Authority (SFA) and the Association of Fish Processors Seychelles (AFPES) have signed a memorandum of understanding in relation to their co-participation in the Seafood Global EXPO to be held in Barcelona, Spain, from May 6 to 8, 2025. Seafood Expo events deliver the highest quality trade events for seafood producers, buyers and suppliers from around the world. The event therefore provides an important opportunity for local fish processors and fish exporters to establish contacts and explore new markets, including being exposed to advance technology in fish processing.
The MoU formalises the working arrangement between the two bodies for the joint Seychelles pavilion at the Barcelona expo, with the SFA providing logistical coordination and the AFPES representing the private-sector processors. The signing was held at the SFA headquarters in Victoria and was attended by chief executive of the SFA, Francisca Bibi, and the chairman of the AFPES, Ronny Bossy. The delegation is expected to comprise representatives from at least eight of the country’s leading fish-processing companies.
Seychelles’ participation in the expo comes at a strategic moment for the industry. Canned tuna exports, the country’s principal fish export, have faced headwinds from tightening European Union import standards and competitive pressure from other Indian Ocean and Pacific producers. The expo will also provide a venue for the SFA to showcase its recently launched blockchain-based catch-certification scheme, which is intended to allow European buyers to verify the provenance and sustainability of Seychelles’ tuna in near real-time. Industry observers will be watching the trip for fresh export orders and partnerships that could anchor the country’s fisheries sector through 2025.
