"Last year was used to recover from the downturn. It was a difficult year for all industries, including fishery. Nevertheless, industry statistics were steady and showed good economic results, particularly in terms of output. It took on the tasks set by the 2009 through 2014 federal targeted programme – thanks to bylaws that were passed quickly by the federal government, to efficient management and to the hard working personnel. I would like to use this occasion to express gratitude to everyone in the industry," Mr Zubkov said as he was opening the meeting.
In 2010 the Russian government endorsed 35 bylaws on fishery, aiming to simplify commerce, remove administrative obstacles, provide state support and funds to fishing companies, pass bareboat-chartered vessels into Russian businesses' property, pay down debt, promote transnational cooperation in fishing and aquaculture, and redistribute managerial duties.
Mr Zubkov is convinced that all the conditions are in place for the stable development of the industry and an annual increase in its output. Priorities have been outlined and clear rules of the game established. "Fishermen have become more optimistic, while investors are starting to show interest in fishery." Zubkov added that further progress demands the more active attraction of private capital to the development of the logistics of fish delivery to retailers, and modernisation of the fishing fleet and seaport facilities for the reception of catch.
"This work aims, first of all, to provide more quality seafood for retail. For this, it is necessary to further improve cooperation along the entire distribution line from the sea to the shop counter, including fish delivery and retail prices. With this goal in mind, we will soon hold a meeting of the interested government commission, to be attended by representatives of fishing unions and traders, to discuss all these matters. We will also invite the mayors of Russian megalopolises and seaport towns to discuss together how to organise urban trade in fish and seafood – particularly, the possible establishment of specialised fish markets. We will pinpoint the obstacles to such trade," said the deputy prime minister.
He added that the government sub-commission for customs tariff and non-tariff regulation and protective measures in foreign trade, which he heads, can quickly consider proposals concerning customs tariff regulation aimed to increase the efficiency of the fishing industry.
"Last year's achievements show that we have put fishery on the right road. We have provided basic conditions for stable performance. This year, we will take on other priority problems together – build and modernise fishing vessels, upgrade harbour facilities and the coastal infrastructure, modernise canneries, build and equip aquaculture farms, and construct an effective transport and logistics system for fish trade," Zubkov said in conclusion.