The Sousse governorate and the Regional Commission for Agricultural Development in Sousse have carried out inspection visits to monitor the health situation and readiness of wholesale markets in the fishing ports of Sousse and Herqul. These visits aim to verify the facilities and address any technical shortcomings to ensure full compliance with international health standards. This is in preparation for an upcoming visit by a European Union delegation to Tunisia scheduled for November 16, 2026.
According to Samir Mehiri, head of the Animal Production Department at the Regional Commission for Agricultural Development in Sousse, the inspection seeks to assess the facilities and address any technical gaps. Mehiri stated that the wholesale market at the Sousse fishing port has achieved significant improvements, with nearly complete facilities and compliance with health safety standards for seafood products.
The renovation and upgrading work at the port included improving the site's flooring, developing the lighting network, and renewing painting works. Additionally, the port was equipped with a storage room for seafood products and a specialized ice supply point to ensure the preservation and cooling of fish immediately after landing.
Regarding the Herqul fishing port, Mehiri noted that the port stands out for its cleanliness and operational stability. He emphasized that the wholesale market is ready to receive activity and meet the requirements of the visit. The agricultural authorities aim to demonstrate the readiness of Tunisian ports and confirm the quality and conformity of national seafood products to international standards during the upcoming visit.
Sousse Governor, Sofien Tannouri, announced that field visits and coordination meetings are being conducted to monitor the progress of rehabilitation work at the Sousse and Herqul fishing ports, as well as the wholesale fish market. The goal is to complete the technical and health standards required for veterinary approval and stimulate economic activity in the region.
The follow-up also included inspecting the progress of work at the wholesale fish market in Sousse, with a contractual deadline of around 100 days for project completion, expected by the end of October. The rehabilitation work focused on treating wastewater drainage networks and channels, completing waterproofing and sealing work, and maintaining and rehabilitating refrigeration warehouses and ice factories.
Governor Tannouri stated that the Herqul port's activity has resumed but emphasized that this step is incomplete without obtaining official veterinary approval. He stressed that this effort is part of a national endeavor involving various fishing ports and wholesale markets to adapt to applied health and veterinary standards.
Key points
- The visits aim to ensure full compliance with international health standards ahead of the EU delegation visit.
- The wholesale market at the Sousse fishing port has achieved significant improvements in health safety standards.
- The Herqul fishing port is ready to receive activity and meet the requirements of the EU delegation visit.
