One of China’s major fishery ports has opened two berths for what it claims is the country’s first international fishing customs clearance.
Jin Jiang Shen Hu National Long Distance Fishing Port was put into operation at Quanzhou, which has long been a key port for Chinese vessels venturing into international fishing waters. The operation is likely to expand as China continues its push to do more fishing in African waters and in the Indian Ocean, as well as disputed waters of the South China Sea.
China’s Maritime Safety Agency, a state body which appears linked to the country’s coast guard, was the source of the announcement regarding Quanzhou’s new customs berths.
“In recent years we have vigorously coordinated agencies to develop Quanzhou as a long-distance fishery brand,” a statement from the agency said.
The eight- and nine-meter berths in Quanzhou can easily unload 3,000-ton vessels and allows their product to clear customs in hours, according to the statement, which added: “[this] will serve to spur the industry.”
