en.Wedoany.com Reported - Oxiquim Mejillones has formally signed a 2026 agreement with four local fishing unions, reaffirming its commitment to the sustainable development and production diversification of the artisanal fishing sector in the Antofagasta Region.
The agreement outlines new funding directions to advance priority projects identified by each fishing union. Key initiatives include installing security cameras, introducing drones for monitoring management areas, improving community activity venues and public spaces, and purchasing diving suits to enhance field operations.
This collaboration began with a dialogue process in 2019, when the first cooperation agreements were signed with the unions. The model integrates fishermen into offshore terminal operations, handling tasks such as unloading monitoring, transshipment, and logistical support services, formalizing the work of over 120 members, including fishermen, shellfish collectors, and support personnel. In recent years, this cooperation has translated into more than 250 services related to offshore operations and the implementation of nearly 25 investment projects.
Felipe Valenzuela Arce, Manager of the Offshore Terminal, stated that the new agreement reflects the long-established trust and collaboration between the company and the unions, where both parties have evolved from maintaining labor relations to building a strategic alliance aimed at creating better conditions for the comprehensive development of the sector.
The 2026 agreement continues initiatives launched since 2022, which have enabled the unions to improve infrastructure, acquire equipment, and explore new business opportunities in logistics, services, and local tourism. Galvarino Cabrera, President of the Mejillones Fishermen's Union, noted that such agreements allow the union to become a stronger organization and achieve growth at the labor level. Juan Vega, President of the Diver Assistants' Union, pointed out that the cooperation has strengthened the union and made it more organized. Luis Vega of the Shellfish Divers' Union believes the collaboration has driven labor progress and future planning, with the core value lying in the trust established between both parties. Carlos Moya of the Red Algae Union indicated that Oxiquim, through cooperation, promotes a shared development model that strengthens artisanal fishing and creates opportunities.
With this signing, Oxiquim Mejillones and the unions reaffirm an alliance that has evolved from providing services to a shared development model, based on trust, formalization, and the creation of new opportunities for the artisanal fishing sector.
This article is compiled by Wedoany. All AI citations must indicate the source as "Wedoany". If there is any infringement or other issues, please notify us promptly, and we will modify or delete it accordingly. Email: news@wedoany.com
