Submission from Mr Conrad Glass, Chief
Islander, Tristan da Cunha
As we begin 2008 I am looking at ways of generating
extra revenue for Tristan da Cunha.
One very practical way of doing this will be
to make it possible for Tristan lobster be sold on the Chinese
Market.
Ovenstone Agencies (Pty), the South African
fishing company, which is contracted by Tristan Government to
catch and sell Tristan lobster, is unable to do this as the FCO
has not included Tristan in the UK and/or EU trade treaties with
China. If Tristan lobster could be imported into China at the
preferred tariff rates covered by those treaties (around 16-17%),
rather than the current punitive rate (around 50%), then there
would be a huge economic and social benefit to the island and
its population.
With China's booming economy and the imminence
of the 2008 Olympics, the immediate inclusion of Tristan in these
UK/EU treaties and the reduction of these punitive tariffs, would
present a golden opportunity to improve the current status of
Tristan's revenue.
My investigations on this matter have revealed
that Ovenstone Agencies are receiving a lot of enquiries for lobster
from potential Chinese customers. It is important to note that
South African lobster suppliers are enjoying strong demand and
prices in China's growing market and that this trend looks set
to continue. It would be a very positive development indeed for
Tristan lobster fishermen and processors (and Tristan itself)
to penetrate the Chinese market.
Tristan can only achieve this if the FCO can
include Tristan as part of the UK and EU trade treaties with China.
The FCO is aware that the Ovenstone Agencies company is keen to
get into the Chinese market, ensuring better business for this
island and enhancing its economy, of which the lobster fishery
is the single most important component.
A commitment by the FCO to immediately ensure
the removal of this "red tape" which stands in the way
of the development of the island and its business partners will
help to generate more income, give the island much greater self-sufficiency
and will reduce the need to rely on the UK for grants and budgetary
aid.
I hope the Committee will give its kind consideration
to the contents of this document and look forward to a response
in due course.
14 January 2008
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