VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Indonesia’s Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Ministry (KKP) has said it will develop environmentally friendly fishing ports in the country in cooperation with the French Development Agency (AFD).

The cooperation in the environmentally friendly seaport project was discussed with France’s Minister of Maritime Affairs, Annick Girardin, during her recent visit to Indonesia.

"This collaborative project can help utilize environmentally friendly capture fisheries resources in the fishing port areas," acting director general of capture fisheries at KKP, M Zaini, said in a press release here on Thursday.

The cooperation is expected to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries and advance the marine and fisheries sector, in accordance with the declaration of a strategic partnership between the Indonesian and French presidents in 2017, he added.

As part of a working visit to Indonesia, Minister Girardin on Wednesday headed to the Nizam Zachman Ocean Fishing Port (PPS) in Muara Baru, North Jakarta.

She was accompanied by Zaini, director of fishing ports, Frits P. Lesnussa, and head of PPS Nizam Zachman Jakarta, Rahmat Irawan.

According to Zaini, Jakarta's fishing port is among ports with the largest export value advantage in Indonesia.

"In addition to adequate facilities, PPS Nizam Zachman also has the advantage of easy export access. Not only is it close to the Tanjung Priok seaport, it is also close to Soekarno-Hatta International Airport," he pointed out.

Zaini also lauded the French government's support for the development of eco-fishing ports.

Currently, the ministry is in the process of discussing the loan agreement with AFD France, he informed.

During her visit, Minister Girardin expressed the hope that the cooperation project would help improve the living standards of people in coastal areas.

The problems in the marine and fisheries sector experienced by Indonesia are not much different from those of France, she added.

"I am very happy to be able to visit Indonesia to see its fishery activities. I appreciate Indonesia's steps to eradicate illegal fishing because the preservation of marine ecosystems is important for us to keep it sustainable," she said.  (Antaranews)