Falklands : EDS VISION AND MISSION EXPLAINED AT FALKLANDS' FARMERS WEEK
Submitted by Falkland Islands News Network (Juanita Brock) 10.07.2010 (Article Archived on 24.07.2010)
Falklands’ farmers listened intently to a presentation of the Economic Development Strategy by Michael Poole at 1100hrs on Tuesday, 06 July 2010.
FALKLANDS FARMERS’ WEEK: EDS VISION AND MISSION EXPLAINED AT MORNING SESSION
J Brock (FINN)
Falklands’ farmers listened intently to a presentation of the Economic Development Strategy by Michael Poole at 1100hrs on Tuesday, 06 July 2010. Approximately 70 farmers and other members of the public listened intently while Mr Poole included topics on sustainable economic future for the Falkland Islands that enhances stability and balance.
Mr Poole went on to say that the strategy will have public airings at several venues and Farmers’ Week is one of them. He stressed that feedback is essential at all of the sessions as the document will be more effective if the views of the public are taken into account.
Aims of the Strategy are to stabilise balance of payments to make sure we have more coming in than we have going out of the country; and to analyse the work already completed as well as that which is to be done.
The Strategy takes into account aims, goals and targets of five key industries relevant to the Falklands:
Agriculture
Fisheries,
Tourism,
Service Sector,
Business Sector,
Development of new industries
We had, at the end of 2007 4.1% growth on the back of people working harder. There is a decline in this since then due to immigration policies. Qualified people just aren’t staying.
The Process emphasises 3 Key Schemes that would help to overcome the problem:
More efficient Immigration – there is a decline in people who are allowed to stay under the new points system. Existing industries are immature – only three years ago the ITQ system was introduced and Fisheries shouldn’t be the major drive of the economy as it is dangerous to rely on a fluctuating industry.
Fisheries:
There is a wish to see increased research and management with a commercial focus as well as a sustainable container service. Port development is key to the export of fish and other Falklands’ products. We also need to replace and upgrade ageing fishing fleet and we need more local workers in fisheries industry – at present only 8%
|
