Minister Warns Companies not to Rely on Total Allowable Catch

The minister said this would not only create jobs, but would add value to the companies and their products, reports AllAfrica.

He reminded the fishing industry that the TAC might not always be constant.

"Fishing companies should plan for the unforeseen to avoid unnecessary job losses and financial setbacks," he said.

Mr Esau, who was in Walvis Bay to consult with various stakeholders in the fishing industry, witnessed the offloading of 1,700 tons of squid, commonly known as calamari, by Hatutungu Fishing on Monday morning.

The shipment arrived on the Armadora Peirera vessel from Spain.

The company generates six million Euros (approximately N$63 million) from exporting squid.

Mr Esau applauded Hatutunga Fishing for importing raw products such as squid, saying this complements the government's call for job creation.

"This is indeed a significant day for Hatutungu which has been importing raw materials since 2008. This shows their continuous support for the government's call to alleviate poverty through job creation," he added.

The company's chairman, Stanley Sitali, singled out the consignment as the biggest ever for the company since venturing into the business.

He added that raw squid is processed into various delicacies at the locally based company, Talanam Fishing, before being exported to other countries.

"At the moment, South Africa is our biggest client. We export about 50 per cent to South Africa and the rest to Europe. Only a small percentage is consumed in Namibia, but we are positive that consumption of squid will increase in our country," said Mr Sitali.

The business initiative, which is aimed at complementing their fishing quota, is said to have created at least 250 permanent jobs.