High-level meetings between governmental ministers from Spain and Argentina at the recent G20 summit have led to a signed memorandum of understating to advance a shared agenda on ending illegal fishing and fisheries research.
A report in Argentinian national newsmedia Infobae called the agreement “unprecedented” and said it has established a collaboration scheme for fishery matters. Officials are looking to create a lasting cooperative effort, and highlighted the potential of the seafood sector as well as a need to use more sustainable methods.
Argentinian Agroindustry Minister Luis Miguel Etchevehere represented the South American nation in talks with Spanish Agriculture, Livestock, Fishery and Food Minister Luis Planas during the two day summit in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
The signed document reportedly called for greater technology exchange related to capture techniques, aquaculture practices, distribution, transportation, and in the sale of the sector’s final products.
Furthermore, the agreement proposes increased scientific research activities, especially in areas adjacent to Argentina’s exclusive economic zone. According to the report, officials see a cooperative approach as beneficial for any research outside of the EEZ and could serve as a model for other countries in the region to follow.
For his part, Planas said that the agreement “is in defense of sustainable fishing, a large part of the food industry between both nations are seafood products.” He added that this agreement would help an “investment flow” in these matters, as it is an area where much work is still needed.
Parallel to these discussions, European Union officials also worked to advance negotiations with Mercosur, the South American trade bloc, to finish a comprehensive trade agreement that has been in discussions since 1999.
Spain’s Planas also warned that the protective measures seen in the trade dispute between the United States and China are “especially damaging” for the agro-food business.
“No one emerges a winner in a trade war because it affects a basic element like food,” Planas said.
Photo courtesy of the Ministry of Agriculture and Industry of Argentina
