Peru to prioritize credits for fishermen affected by the cancellation of the anchovy season
The recently appointed Peru's Minister of Production, Ana María Choquehuanca, announced that her administration will prioritize credit facilities for the fishing sector, affected by the consequences of the El Niño phenomenon and various climatic factors. According to the Minister, the new financial instrument will allow fishermen affected by the suspension of the anchovy fishing season to access credit at preferential rates.
The new Minister showed her support to fisheries
In a meeting with the Perú National Association of Fishing Vessel Owners, Minister Choquehuanca – who was sworn in on September 6 – indicated that this financial instrument will be established through the 'Impulso MYPErú' program. As mentioned, the idea is that thanks to this tool, fishermen affected by the cancellation of the first anchovy fishing season in the North-Central zone announced in June, will have access to credits at preferential rates.
"My administration will prioritize credit facilities for the fishing sector. We will achieve this with the support of the MEF in the shortest possible time," said the head of Peru's Ministry of Production (Produce). Since her arrival in the position, the new Minister has reiterated her commitment to micro and small enterprises (MYPE in its Spanish acronym). "As long as I can help MYPEs, fishermen, and vulnerable populations, I will be there, as I am sure the other ministers will," she said shortly after taking office.
Studies continue to make decisions on the second anchovy season
The Minister also indicated that the regulatory proposal that will benefit fishing vessel owners could be discussed in the Council of Ministers in the next few days in order to speed up the issue and support a sector that has been affected. In addition, the meeting also discussed the prospects for the second anchovy fishing season in the north and center of the country. Choquehuanca emphasized that studies of the conditions of this hydrobiological resource are being carried out through the Peruvian Sea Institute (Imarpe in its Spanish acronym).
Together with the Minister, the working meeting was also attended by Congressmen Bernardo Pazo Nunura and Cruz María Zeta Chunga; the Vice Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Desilú León; the regional governor of Piura, Luis Neyra León; the president of Imarpe; a representative of the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF); and other officials of Produce. Ana María Choquehuanca stated that she will work in coordination with fishermen to promote their reactivation, guaranteeing the sustainability of hydrobiological resources.
