Joe Borg reist af naar Japan (en)

Joe Borg i , European Commissioner for Fisheries and Maritime Affairs, will arrive tomorrow in Tokyo for a three-day visit to Japan. During the visit, Mr Borg will meet with members of the Japanese Government as well with top level fisheries officials, fisheries managers and stakeholders. He will also undertake a number of visits of maritime and fisheries facilities. The bilateral EU/Japan relations, the move towards a Maritime Policy in the Union, the newly adopted Japan's Maritime Policy and other fisheries-related issues will be discussed during the various meetings. This is the first time that Commissioner Borg will visit Japan since taking up his post as Commissioner for Fisheries and Maritime Affairs.

"As leading fish producers in the world, the EU and Japan share a common interest in working together to achieve sustainable fisheries. The EU and Japan are also moving towards a more integrated approach to their maritime activities. I therefore look forward to exchanging views and ideas on our respective initiatives in this field and to strengthen the EU/Japan partnership in improving the governance of the high seas." Commissioner Borg commented.

The first day of Mr Borg's visit will include a lecture at the Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology where he will be welcomed by Mr Takai, University Rector. The Commissioner will speak of the future EU Maritime Policy and emphasise the efforts being made in both international and national fora to fight illegal, unreported and unregulated fisheries by strengthening the effectiveness and control abilities of regional fisheries management organisations (RFMOs).

The second day will be devoted to discussions with the Japanese authorities and stakeholders. Commissioner Borg is expected to meet with the Minister of Environment and acting Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Mr. Wakabayashi, the Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Asano and the Commissioner for Japan's Fisheries Agency, Mr Shirasu. He will also meet with the President of the Nippon Foundation, Mr Ogata, Mr Nakazu, President of the Japanese Fisheries Association and the Executive Director for the organisation for the promotion of responsible tuna fisheries, Mr Harada.

Mr Borg's programme also comprises a visit to the Tsukiji Fish Market, which is the largest wholesale fish and seafood market in the world, and a tour of the Hachijojima Island to visit the fishing ports and fishing centres. The Commissioner will leave Japan on Sunday morning for a visit to Hong Kong where he will meet with Hong Kong authorities and address meetings of the Baltic and International Maritime Council (BIMCO) which will be holding a conference there next week.

Background

As a maritime nation, Japan is in the process of establishing a more integrated approach to its sea-related activities and recently adopted a Maritime Law, just as the EU moves towards establishing a European Maritime Policy. Japan is also a major fishing state with an important long distance fleet. It is the 4 th world fish producer (aquaculture plus catches of wild fish) after China, Peru and the EU. Japan is also the biggest world market for tuna. Japan is therefore an important partner within the five tuna regional fisheries management organisations. The EU and Japan enjoy a constructive relationship in the work towards ensuring sustainable fisheries. Japan hosted the first meeting of all tuna RFMOs, which took place in Kobe in January 2007, during which common actions were agreed to tackle illegal fishing activities.