Al-Sarheed seeks approval for direct sale of imported fish to cut prices, end monopoly

The head of the Kuwaiti Fishermen’s Union, Abdullah, said he contacted the Minister of Commerce and Industry, Khalifa Al-Ajil, in December seeking approval to allow the sale of imported fish through the Union’s direct sales outlets, similar to the mechanism granted to the Farmers’ Union, ahead of the arrival of imported fish shipments.

Speaking to Al-Jarida, Al-Sarheed said the Union operates around 50 fish stalls and hopes to be permitted to sell imported fish directly through these outlets, a move he said would help reduce prices by cutting out intermediaries and easing the burden on consumers.

He stressed that direct selling is among the most effective tools to control prices and curb inflation, with the primary objective of delivering fish to consumers at fair and reasonable prices, reports Al-Jarida daily.

Al-Sarheed announced the launch of an integrated plan to import fish, noting that the Union is in the final stages of procedures and official correspondence with relevant government authorities.

He said agreements have been reached with three countries — Bangladesh, Pakistan and Iran — during the current phase. While imports face no obstacles and enjoy clear government support due to their role in strengthening food security, he explained that coordination with Iran is temporarily on hold due to prevailing conditions, with shipments from Bangladesh and Pakistan expected to begin once export procedures are completed in coordination with Kuwaiti authorities.

On varieties, Al-Sarheed said the plan covers all fish types demanded by Kuwaiti consumers, including locally popular species such as grouper and sea bream, with the aim of boosting supply and lowering prices.

He noted that the initiative would help end monopolistic practices in some markets and offer fish at prices close to those in the countries of origin, accounting only for transport costs. He added that import channels will soon be expanded to include the Indian subcontinent, Sri Lanka and Indonesia, with price differences largely limited to shipping expenses.

Addressing fishing seasons, Al-Sarheed said mead fishing has been suspended since late November, while the shrimp fishing ban remains in place. Fishing for other species, including grouper, continues.

He explained that shrimp fishing runs from early August to the end of December each year, while the general fish season extends from early June to the end of November.

On cooperation with the Public Authority for Agriculture and Fisheries regarding oversight of fish hatcheries, Al-Sarheed said no cooperation exists at present, but affirmed the Union’s readiness to manage and supervise such facilities if allocated by the government. He also revealed that the Union has submitted a request to the Cabinet to establish a fishermen’s village, which is still awaiting approval.

Regarding regulations, he noted that fishing laws were amended last year and said the Union is preparing a new plan to propose further amendments in the next phase to support fishermen while preserving fish stocks.