Factory to enhance Comorian marine resources

Istdar Seafood Merchants has just opened a factory dedicated to the acquisition, preservation, and export of seafood in the Comoros. The focus is on lobsters, shrimp, and octopus. Led by Baris Yaslan, the company has set up its factory on the Beit Salam road.

This project, conducted in partnership with the Comorian government, receives support from the Ministry of Agriculture and the president of the Chamber of Agriculture of Ngazidja. Istdar, headquartered in Istanbul (Turkey) and Dar es-Salaam (Tanzania), specializes in the preservation and export of seafood to the European continent.

Its presence in the Comoros results from negotiations with the Comorian envoy to Tanzania, orchestrated by Houmed Msaïdié, former Minister of Economy and current Special Advisor to the Head of State Azali Assoumani. « We have been in the Comoros for two years. We took the necessary time to organize everything, and the equipment is already installed, although there were some delays », says Baris Yaslan.

The factory starts with 20 workers but aims to create up to 1,000 jobs in the coming years by expanding across the territory. The project also aims to help local fishermen by providing them with appropriate equipment to improve seafood collection in the long run. The acquisition will be subject to strict selection criteria to protect marine resources.

Following its opening on Monday, January 20, Istdar calls on the population to gather and sell seafood. « To start, we need four tons as soon as possible. For example, we purchase octopus for 750 Comorian francs per kilogram (1.57 USD) », says the factory director.