Tõnis Tänav has been appointed the new Deputy Secretary General for Fisheries Policy and Foreign Affairs in the Estonian Ministry of Rural Affairs as of 1 July 2023. Mr Tänav has a PhD in economics from the University of Tartu and has worked with risk analysis at the Agricultural Registers and Information Board. He was also a junior researcher at his alma mater and lead analyst at Enterprise Estonia, an Estonian national foundation promoting economic development in the country. Before his promotion he was head of research and development in the Ministry of Rural Affairs.
According to Marko Gorban, Secretary General in the Ministry of Regional Affairs and Agriculture, Tõnis Tänav’s experience and competence in innovations were the main reasons for his selection from the four applicants for the position. “In the coming years, many sectors, including fisheries policy, will face significant challenges that will require strong input and effort from the ministry to ensure that people, businesses, and communities in all regions of Estonia prosper” said Madis Kallas , the Estonian Minister of Regional Affairs and Agriculture. With his background Tõnis Tänav will fit very well into the new structure of the ministry where he will seek to turn the challenges facing the fisheries sector into opportunities for development.
Some of Tõnis Tänav’s priorities will concern discussions on various green transition initiatives at EU and national levels, as well as the launch of a new cycle of the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund, which provides support for innovative projects that ensure aquatic and maritime resources are used sustainably. The new Deputy Secretary General is certain that with knowledge-based policymaking and innovation systems, Estonia will greatly benefit from the talks and funding opportunities.