CENTRAL AMERICA, 24 JUNE 2022 - Within the framework of the project “Fostering Regional Coordination in Aquaculture Value Chains for the Generation of Productive Employment in Latin America and the Caribbean”, which is implemented by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), representatives from Colombia, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua and Peru met from 21 to 23 June 2022 in San Salvador, El Salvador, to present national strategic plans for sustainable freshwater aquaculture and to develop a regional roadmap.

During the meeting, María Luisa Hayem, Minister of Economy of El Salvador, emphasized the potential of the aquaculture sector and the importance of increasing income and value generation along its value chain to increase economic competitiveness and welfare. To strengthen the regional freshwater value chains, meeting participants identified a number of South-South cooperation opportunities based on countries’ expertise and needs in this sector.

“Latin America and the Caribbean face common challenges, such as low domestic demand, high sectoral informality, access to international markets, and limited financing opportunities”, said Cristiano Pasini, UNIDO Representative for Central America. “These difficulties underscore the need for regional coordination in aquaculture value chains, also to exchange knowledge, work together to reduce costs, and jointly improve outlets for artisanal fishing and aquaculture products”.

Through the project, UNIDO seeks to boost the value generated in freshwater aquaculture value chains to create productive employment and increase income opportunities for identified stakeholders thus ultimately contributing to improved living standards, poverty reduction and food security.

For more information, please contact:

Barbara Boreta

Programme Officer, Regional Coordination Division for Latin America & the Caribbean, UNIDO

b.boreta@unido.org