By Prossy Nandudu
The ministry of agriculture has halted the implementation of a minimum export price for fish fillet. The suggestion for the minimum price was initiated by fish exporters and processors associations as a remedy to declining fish quantities and values.
This was during a consultative meeting convened by the Ministry of Agriculture Animal Industry and Fisheries in September this year.
In that meeting, Fish Processors and exporters suggested that a minimum export selling price of $06 (about sh18000) per kg be set and enforced with effect from 1st October 2023.
However, in a statement issued by the Ministry of Agriculture on Friday, indicates that following feedback on the suggestion, they have decided to halt the implementation plan.
The Ministry acknowledges the importance of the fish processing industry to our nation’s economy and recognizes the challenges faced by fish processors, especially in the context of the global market dynamics.
According to MAAIF, although the objective of the Minimum Export Price (MEP) may be to ensure profitability in the industry, it should be noted that Uganda has completely liberalized her economy. The Minimum Export Price has thus justifiably generated a lot of apprehension.
“The Ministry has carefully considered the feedback provided by all stakeholders, and is committed to addressing their concerns in a manner that supports the continued growth and competitiveness of the fish processing sector,” said the statement.
Adding that all stakeholders are free to export fish and fish products at prices that are determined by both the market and the principle of willing buyer/willing seller.
During the State of the Nation address this year, President Museveni announced that Fish worth $166m (about shillings 619 billion) was exported in the financial year 2022 up from $37.5M earnings from Fish Fillets exports in 2021.
