Fiji and Japan strengthens fisheries sector with new development assistance project

Technical skills in the fisheries sector are expected lifted after the Ministry of Fisheries and the Overseas Fishery Cooperation Foundation of Japan (OFCF Japan) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to implement the Fisheries Development Assistance for Pacific Island Nations Phase Seven (FDAPIN VII) project.

This initiative aims to foster a cooperative and bilateral relationship between Japan and Fiji contributing to the sustainable development of Fiji’s fisheries sector.

While speaking at the signing, President of the Overseas Fishery Cooperation Foundation of Japan, Shirasu Toshiro, says the project focuses on maintaining existing facilities rather than constructing new ones.

He says this approach ensures the stable operation of fisheries facilities and enhances the technical capacity of local technicians.

Toshiro says maintaining stable and continuous operation of facilities is challenging and requires skilled engineering.

He adds for instance, there are ice-making machines in Fiji that have been operational for over 20 years, reflecting the high technical skills of the Ministry’s counterparts.

He says they are honoured to support this critical work.

He also announced that OFCF Japan will provide a double cabin pick-up truck to the Ministry of Fisheries to enhance the capabilities of the Lami workshop and additionally, they will organize workshops to improve the technical skills of refrigeration facility handymen, supporting the stable operation of ice-making facilities in Fiji.

The key components of the Project are facility restoration, skill transfer and self-sustained operations.

The Minister for Fisheries and Forestry, Alitia Bainivalu, expressed deep gratitude towards OFCF Japan for their continuous support.

She says her Ministry is thankful to OFCF Japan for their assistance in enhancing the technical capacity of the Ministry of Fisheries.

Bainivalu says this collaboration significantly contributes to the upgrading of their facilities, thereby improving the livelihoods of our people who depend on fishing.

She hopes that this collaboration will continue for many years ahead.