Investment in Fisheries and Protecting Purchasing Power: A Parliamentary Inquiry Directed to the Secretary of State for Agriculture
Parliamentarian Hanane Etrakin from the Authenticity and Modernity Party in the House of Representatives posed an oral question to the Secretary of State responsible for fisheries within the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Rural Development, Water, and Forests. This inquiry focused on ways to enhance national investment in the fisheries sector while preserving citizens’ purchasing power.
The party highlighted in its memo that the fisheries sector is a strategic pillar of the national economy, contributing to food security and job creation, and serving as a key supplier of fish products in local markets. However, the sector faces growing challenges, including weak national investment in certain production stages, rising fish prices, and the dominance of certain intermediaries, all of which have negatively impacted consumers’ purchasing power, making these products less accessible to many members of society.
The parliamentary team questioned the Secretary of State about the government’s strategy to encourage national investment, particularly for small professionals and cooperatives, and the measures taken to ensure that a portion of production is directed to domestic markets at reasonable prices. They also inquired about how the ministry balances exports with meeting national demand and protecting purchasing power, as well as the oversight measures aimed at curbing speculation and monopolization in the marketing chains of marine products.
This question is part of the team’s efforts to closely monitor the maritime sector and ensure that citizens and small entrepreneurs benefit from fishery resources, achieving a balance between economic development and consumer protection.
