Seafood companies unite to help Ukraine

Seafood companies in Norway are rallying to help war-ravaged Ukraine with cash and practical help.

Seafood Norway, the organisation which represents both aquaculture and fishing companies, has set up a special committee to help co-ordinate the assistance.

It is working closely with the Norwegian-Ukraine Chamber of Commerce, and some businesses have come in with direct financial help.

Sales of Norwegian seafood to Ukraine have been growing in recent years although they remain comparatively small.

Seafood Norway said the Russian invasion had hit the civilian population hard. Companies had expressed a strong desire to help the Ukrainian people and the need for humanitarian aid was great, it said.

The statement continued: “Members have asked us to take the initiative for an organized humanitarian relief effort for the Ukrainian people. This happens after individual companies in the industry have already become involved.

“Seafood Norway has therefore established a collaboration with the Norwegian-Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce, of which Seafood Norway is a member. Through the Chamber of Commerce, humanitarian measures on the ground in Ukraine will be disseminated and supported.

“The law firm Wikborg Rein has prepared legal guidelines for the initiative, to ensure that the funds raised are used in accordance with the purpose. There will be full transparency about funds raised and the Norwegian-Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce does not charge a commission for its participation.”

The Seafood Norway’s board has decided to contribute NOK 50,000 (£4,200) as an initial token of support while two fishing boat builders are sending NOK 200,000 (£17,000).