UNDP, Germany inaugurate new Qalamoun Fish Market through KFW Development Bank

UNDP, Germany inaugurate new Qalamoun Fish Market through KFW Development Bank

NNA - The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with Germany through KfW Development Bank, established and inaugurated the new fish market in Al-Qalamoun, North Lebanon, in cooperation with the Fishermen’s Cooperative Association of Al-Qalamoun. The project aims to support fishermen in the North and enhance their living conditions in light of the current economic crisis.

According to the World Bank, total fisheries production in Lebanon was reported at 3728 metric tons in 2020. Currently the revenue in the Fish & Seafood segment amounts to US$377.40m in 2023 with an expected market growth annual rate of 8.51% (CAGR 2023-2027). The Lebanese fish and seafood market is predominantly import dependent (90%). Local production for export is negligible, but there is good potential for boosting production for the local market. The fish industry already supports more than 4,000 families across the Lebanese coast, among which are over 150 families in Al-Qalamoun itself. 

Known for its geographic location along the seashore and its small economic activities, Al-Qalamoun is also famous for its production of varieties of home processed food and traditional Mouneh  (preserves),  as well as  the  hospitality  sector which is significantly based on local seafood. The new fish market will allow fishers to