[ecr] 

 Speaking at the opening of the 9th edition of the International Fishing and Fish Production Show at the "Mohamed Benahmed" Convention Center, the Minister said that the Finance Act for the 2024 financial year included "very important incentives for fishing and aquaculture activities, which should lead to a qualitative leap.”

He said that the import of second-hand vessels (less than 5 years old) suitable for large-scale fishing over 40 meters in length has been authorized, as has the import of engines for refurbished vessels less than 5 years old, which will increase vessel profitability and enhance national production.

Badani announced that his department would be working in the next few days on the possibility of subsidized interest-free bank loans to equip vessels with the latest electronic navigation instruments.

Direct financial and tax incentives have also been approved for investors in freshwater aquaculture, as well as for processors, with a positive impact on the quantity of fish production in this aquaculture sector, said the minister.

As for marine aquaculture, Badani stated that project holders can benefit from interest-free operating loans, enabling them to step up their investments, stressing that "all these provisions will inevitably give a strong boost to these various activities, involving small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and increasing the number of startups, as well as the signing of partnership agreements with national or international companies, enabling the creation of wealth and new employment opportunities.[/ecr]