The Chairman of the National Food Safety Authority in Egypt (NFSA) Tarek al-Hobi, announced the reopening of fish exports to the European Union countries after a three-year hiatus, after the authority fulfilled all the necessary requirements and conditions of the EU.
Hobi said that this achievement was reached after NFSA took over the issue at the end of 2021.
The authority worked hard to establish an integrated control system for the fish trading chain, starting from the primary source through the factories and ending with its introduction to local markets.
He noted the importance of this move in achieving food security and the sustainability of marine fishery resources.
The previous inspection report of the European Commission included recommendations and observations in accordance with European legislation in this regard, Hobi explained, adding that the NFSA cooperated with all relevant parties to complete the necessary recommendations and observations to achieve integration in the production control system, which resulted in the documentary fulfillment of the control system in June 2023.
Hobi pointed out that the European Commission conducted a review and audit visit from May 28 to June 6 to evaluate the trading and control system for marine fish products in Egypt.
He added that the results of the visit were largely positive, as Egypt received a letter from the Commission stating that the export door would be reopened and that Egyptian marine fish exports to the European Union countries would be allowed to enter the European market.
Hobi explained that the exports of this sector are capable of giving a strong boost to the growth of food industry exports, which motivate entrepreneurs and small and medium enterprises to discover the opportunities available in this sector, market within it and establish value-added projects.
