Tokyo: The Chairman of Qatar’s Administrative Control and Transparency Authority (ACTA), H E Abdullah bin Hamad Al Attiyah, who is also Chairman of Qatar-Japan Joint Higher Committee, inaugurated in the Japanese town of Onagawa yesterday, the multifunctional fish processing plant set up through $24.3m financing through the ‘Qatar Friendship Fund’.
The inauguration was attended by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs H E Dr Khalid bin Mohamed Al Attiyah, the Mayor of Onagawa town Yoshiaki Suda, and other senior officials of the Japenese town.
Al Attiyah said in his inaugural speech: “First and on behalf of the Emir Of Qatar H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Heir Apparent H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and the Qatari people, I would like to offer our deepest condolences to all the citizens of the Tohoku area.. With many coastal towns devastated by the 2011 great east earthquake and tsunami disaster, the reconstruction of the fishing industry remains a major challenge. In support of reviving the fishery sector and returning the dreams and hopes of Tohoku’s citizens, the Qatar Friendship Fund, has prioritised rebuilding of the fishery industry.
“Under the leadership of Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs H E Dr Khalid bin Mohamed Al Attiyah, the Qatar Friendship Fund announced last April its commitment towards the implementation of its first $24.3m fishery project here in Onagawa where the fishery industry has been severely devastated’, said Attiyah.
He added: “Today, we celebrate together the opening of the world’s first tsunami-prepared fishery facility. The 7,760 square metre multifunctional fishery processing centre will contain sorting, refrigeration, and storage facilities.
‘’In addition it will employ about 7,500 fishermen and will house more than 40 local companies. The facility is anticipated to generate a market value and spillover effect of 67.3bn yen. Furthermore, this project will lead to the development of a strong and sustainable fishing industry that will support Japan’s local economy”, he said.
“As you know, this year is Qatar-Japan 2012 and we are celebrating 40 years of a strong and friendly partnership between our nations that is built on mutual understanding, respect and trust. Our relationship has grown stronger over the decades and covers different areas including but not limited to trade, research, diplomacy, global development, and culture.
“Both H H the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani and the Qatari people are truly looking forward to strengthen our friendship with the Japanese people, and are confident that together we can make a difference.
“Furthermore, I would like to share with you that the Qatar Friendship Fund launched five new projects in Fukushima, Miyagi and lwate prefectures, These projects are in the areas of education, health and fishery. We hope that these projects will hopefully benefit more and more people in the very near future.
QNA
