China offering more in fisheries sector: Executive

NATIONAL Fisheries Authority managing director John Kasu, pictured, says PNG should now engage with China in regards to the fisheries sector.
Kasu said China was advancing by opening trade through expanding fisheries cooperation with countries, such as the recent China-Pacific economic development and cooperation forum in Apia, Samoa, on Oct 2.
“Therefore PNG must also move fast in capitalising on opportunities and actioning technical areas of cooperation with China,” he said.
The NFA took part in the China Fisheries and Seafood Expo recently in Qingdao city.
The event provided a platform to enhance international trade links to tap into Chinese seafood market.
Nearly 50,000 buyers and suppliers from more than 100 countries and regions attended the expo.
The NFA acted on the recently signed fisheries memorandum of understanding and the trade protocol agreement.
Fisheries and Marine Resources Minister Dr Lino Tom recently said that the fisheries sector should take proactive action to realise benefits from the recent memorandum signing.
“There is a need to create new and better market opportunities for the country’s coastal, inshore and aquiculture sectors, where most of our people are engaged in,” Kasu said.
“This is in line with Government’s directive to allow more of our people to actively and meaningfully participate in the sector.”
He said the initial feedback from the seafood expo indicated that demand for seafood in mainland China was massive.
The expo ended last Friday.