Do Mar Fishing adds value with logistics hub

Do Mar Fishing, a Walvis Bay-based fishing company, has begun the construction of its brand-new logistical hub on erven 5201 and 5202, at extension 14 in Walvis Bay.

Do Mar owner, Antonio Rodriques, explained that the company plans to build a mixed-use development that will be a first-of-its-kind fish logistics hub, catering for everyone in and outside the fishing industry. This will add significant value to the industry as a whole, he said.

"The future Do Mar Fish logistics hub will have a western and an eastern wing that will work in concert with one another. The west wing will house operations, clearing and forwarding, servicing of the fleet, a fish shop, and a bonded warehouse. The eastern wing will cater for container storage, handling, packing, charging, weighbridge and diesel storage for our fleet."



Challenging

Rodriques said the fishing industry is not for the faint of heart.

"It is a very challenging industry with its complexities. The chain of logistics from catching the fish to the end user who puts the fish on their plate for consumption is a chain that Do Mar Fishing is part of, and we take pride in our part as one of the leading fish traders in the country."

Do Mar Fishing employs 18 workers, and the new logistic hub will create 20 more employment opportunities.



Sharing is caring

Speaking at the event, fisheries and marine resources minister Derek Klazen emphasised that marine resources should not only benefit those who are employed in the sector, those who have fishing rights, or companies that are operating in the sector, but should also benefit the Namibian nation.

He called upon all stakeholders to make sure that this objective is achieved.

"Success can only be measured through the promotion of sustainable and responsible fisheries. We cannot continue to allow a situation where only a few are participants in this very important industry and control the entire value chain. I believe that the time is ideal for all industry players to pave the way for this transformation to take place and hereby challenge the industry leaders to be catalysts in this endeavour."



Duty-bound

The minister emphasised that government is duty-bound to provide an environment in which businesses and entrepreneurs can flourish.

"For us to do this and grow the economy sustainably, we need the input and commitment of every Namibian who is a participant in this industry to adhere to the relevant laws and policies that govern our conduct. As a ministry, we will spare no effort and will continue to implement practical policies and scorecards aimed at encouraging empowerment, investment, and industrialisation, resulting in an improvement in the ease of doing business and economic growth in the fishing industry."

Klazen added that the ministry will continue to put measures in place to support the local small and medium enterprises (SMEs) so that they can become more profitable and effectively participate in the country's mainstream economy, particularly for the youth, women, and veterans, among others. He urged companies and individuals to take advantage of the opportunities in the industry value chain and establish new business ventures.



[email protected]