NFA pays K25m in dividends

 THE National Fisheries Authority (NFA) has paid K25 million in dividends to the Government.

The cheque was presented to Treasurer Patrick Pruaitch last Wednesday.

Fisheries and Marine Resources Minister Mao Zeming said the NFA was pleased to pay the dividend to support Budget requirements.

“The dividends are surplus funds from statutory and access fees that the NFA collects from the fishing industry,” Zeming said. “In the 

last three years the NFA paid K60 million in dividend to the government. 

“This 2015 dividend brings to K85 million that the NFA has paid to the government since 2012.

“The fisheries sector is an important part of the PNG economy, contributing about 4 per cent of total GDP.

“The government is now shifting emphasis, from fishing to onshore processing. This shift is expected to add value to the products we export.

It is expected to create more jobs and opportunities for our people.

“Currently onshore investments are producing 2000 metric tonnes of fish per day, and employing 40,000 people, 90 per cent of whom are women.

“With another cannery to be built in Lae this year, and the Marine Park in Madang proceeding as planned, we can expect thousands more jobs created and more opportunities for our people to get into spin off businesses these processing plants will create.

 “I want to thank the NFA for this valuable contribution to the national budget. 

“I can assure you that you are making an important contribution to ongoing development government is undertaking around the country.”