The launch of the Project to Support the Resilience of the Fisheries Sector in Yemen took place today in the city of Mukalla, Hadhramaut, in coordination with the General Authority for Fisheries in the Arabian Sea, with funding from the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs (Crisis and Support Center), and implementation by the French Agency for International Technical Cooperation “Expertise France.”

The project aims to preserve livelihoods, enhance food security, and contribute to post-crisis recovery efforts within Yemen’s fisheries sector.

During the inauguration, the Secretary-General of the Local Council in Hadhramaut Governorate, Mr. Saleh Aboud Al-Omqi, delivered a speech in which he conveyed the greetings and blessings of the Governor of Hadhramaut, Mr. Mabkhout Mubarak bin Madi. The governor had instructed all relevant authorities to ensure the success of the visit of the French Ambassador to Yemen, providing all necessary facilitation in recognition of the importance of the visit and its contribution to strengthening both the fisheries and agriculture sectors, marking the start of future collaborative projects.

Mr. Al-Omqi explained that the project consists of two main components. The first focuses on institutional support for a fisheries association in Mukalla, including assistance for fifty fishermen through the provision of productive assets, such as fishing equipment and training courses on quality preservation and engine maintenance. The second component focuses on upgrading infrastructure, including a rehabilitation project for the flooring and auction halls in the “Fourth Project” area in Khalf, which will enable operations to continue around the clock, unlike the current limited schedule.

For his part, the Ambassador of the French Republic to Yemen, Mr. Jean-Marie Safa, stated that his visit to Mukalla represents a message of support for Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council and the local authorities in Hadhramaut, reaffirming France’s commitment to building a state based on institutions. He emphasized that the Fisheries Sector Support Project in Hadhramaut reflects France’s renewed engagement in Yemen, noting that the project’s total cost is approximately one million euros. He added that this initiative is the first of several forthcoming projects aimed at supporting the Yemeni people.

Ambassador Safa also praised the efforts of the local authority in Hadhramaut to maintain security and stability, which he said are essential for sustaining development and progress. He reaffirmed his country’s support for Yemen’s legitimate government against the Houthi militias, as well as for the extension of the truce and the Yemeni-Yemeni dialogue under the auspices of the United Nations.

Meanwhile, Mr. Laurent Marion, representative of Expertise France, expressed his appreciation to the local authorities in Hadhramaut and the General Authority for Fisheries in the Arabian Sea for their cooperation and support in making the project a success. He emphasized that the project will improve the fisheries sector, contributing to economic recovery in Yemen. Mr. Marion added that the fisheries sector is one of the most vital sectors affecting Yemeni livelihoods, being the third most important economic sector in the country, and that timely intervention will help restore its productivity and sustainability.

During the launch event, the project agreement was signed by Mr. Saleh Aboud Al-Omqi, Secretary-General of the Local Council in Hadhramaut, and Engineer Yeslam Bablghoom, President of the General Authority for Fisheries in the Arabian Sea, representing the Yemeni side; and by Mr. Jean-Marie Safa, French Ambassador to Yemen, and Mr. Laurent Marion, representative of Expertise France, representing the French side.

The ceremony was attended by Engineer Amin Barziq, Technical Undersecretary of Hadhramaut Governorate; the Director-General of the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation Office in Hadhramaut; the Director-General of Mukalla District, Engineer Faiz Al-Omari; as well as a number of French embassy advisors and technical experts.