Canneries and partnerships

PAPUA New Guinea’s downstream fish-processing companies and canneries are almost wholly owned by foreign investors.
Almost all fish factories and canneries, including the marine park project development, are owned and operated by foreigners.  This has to change.
All fish factories and canning companies operating in Papua New Guinea must partner with coastal landowners and provincial governments on either a 49/51 or 50/50 per cent basis.
This is inorder for our people and governments (provincial and national) can gain  maximum returns to grow the local economy for the benefit of all Papua New Guineans.
The new Minister for Fisheries must engage a team to look into the industry so that we can put in place better policies and new laws.
The focus should be to have an industry that benefits both the local landowners and the foreign investors.
We cannot remain complacent and watch our resources being exploited.

Samson Komati