Commerce, NFA reviews all fisheries related State agreement

By CLARISSA MOI
THE Departments of Commerce and Industry and the National Fisheries Authority (NFA) have agreed to review and update all fisheries related State agreements to reflect the government’s objectives for the fisheries sector.
This was outlined in a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between the two agencies in Port Moresby yesterday. Department of Commerce and Industry acting secretary Joseph Vutliu said the understanding would pave the way for both agencies to effectively collaborate in facilitating new fisheries investments, review and update any existing state project or agreements on all fisheries investment projects in the country.
“This MoU will enable us to develop a national tuna domestication policy that is intended to promote local content involving more Papua New Guineans in commercial fisheries,” he said.
“The department remains a partner in economic prosperity for the country and will support or initiate policies, a plan, action and ideas that is geared towards empowering the local people to participate in entrepreneurship activities.
“Under the MoU, NFA would be responsible for the implementation and enforcement of state agreements while maintaining close collaboration with the Commerce and Industry Department.”
Meanwhile, the department would assist in the liaison and negotiations of the state agreements and implementation including facilitation of local participation in spin-off businesses.
NFA managing director John Kasu said the MoU would strengthen the working relationship that the two agencies had.
“This is in line with the Marape-Davis government’s talks about getting our people involved in the various investments,” he said.
“This is to ensure that proper measures are put in place for sustainability of our tuna resources while maximizing economic benefits for the people PNG.”