The Fijian Government has further strengthened its partnership with the Republic of Korea through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on fisheries and aquaculture in Suva this morning.
Speaking at the event, Acting Minister for Fisheries Hon. Osea Naiqamu said the MoU is a significant milestone between the two countries ongoing collaboration and contains a broader platform of cooperation in fisheries and aquaculture.
“For years, the Republic of Korean Government has been very supportive in empowering Fijians with advanced knowledge and skills to deliver services at a heightened level,” Minister Naiqamu said.
“The MoU will bring our work in line with the goals and targets set out in Fiji’s National Development Plan and the Ministry of Fisheries’ Strategic Development Plan for the next 10 years (2019-2029),” he added.
“Our first priority is for the exchange of information, data, scientists, researchers and specialists. In this modern era, information is power and is the basis of good planning and decision-making in the sector.”
Minister Naiqamu added in order to sustain and diversify the coastal fisheries, rapidly grow aquaculture fishery and create value for offshore fisheries, reliable data is crucial and countries who have been successful in these areas such as the Republic of Korea lead as an example for Fiji to adopt best practice learnings.
“Our second priority is to build on from where we are now with regards to training, exposure and capacity building programs for fisheries and aquaculture development to support our priorities in the Fisheries Sector,” Minister Naiqamu said.
“Our third priority is research, development and utilization of science and technology in the field of fisheries and aquaculture.”
He adds this will enhance cooperation between private sectors of the two countries in the areas of fishing operations, aquaculture, fish-processing, fishery products distribution & marketing and other fisheries related industry.
Minister Naiqamu further adds the partnership is timely and would build Fiji to become the best fishery in the Pacific, particularly when the fisheries sector is vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
Vice-Minister for Oceans and Fisheries of the Republic of Korea, Hon. Kim Yang-soo said this will build on the momentum to take the two countries bilateral relations to the next level where more focus is on farming, fisheries and sustainable fishing.
“Now that both countries have built a foundation for cooperation in fisheries and aquaculture, I hope that networking with Korea will continue the modernization of the fisheries sector in Fiji,” Hon. Yang-soo said.