Fiji will continue to explore smart partnerships with other countries in a bid to manage its fisheries resources sustainably.
Speaking at the China Pacific Islands Forum on Fisheries Cooperation and Development in Nanjing, China, Minister for Fisheries and Forestry Kalaveti Ravu said the world was experiencing unprecedented multiple crises, a turbulent international landscape, the effects of climate change, against the backdrop of a pandemic which did not recognise any border.
“Most countries are still grappling with economic recovery and Fiji is no exception. So this year’s meeting is very important as we discuss on ways and means of addressing these challenges through smart partnerships,” Mr Ravu said.
“The theme – All-round Cooperation for Sustainable Agriculture and Fisheries in the Pacific Island Countries – can be a solution especially for Fiji’s fisheries sector. The importance of this natural resource-based and economic service sector in assisting Fiji’s road to national economic recovery cannot be further undermined.
“In the global arena, managing fisheries sustainably depends on international cooperation. Fish do not acknowledge border so in the context of this Forum in Nanjing, the smart partnership between China-Pacific Island Countries is prudent in ensuring the sustainable management of our fisheries and broader oceans resources and more importantly in building a closer community with a shared future between all parties.”
Mr Ravu added in the domestic arena and in alignment to the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Ocean Continent, Fiji was committed to safeguarding our ocean and its life-giving function to the planet and people of the region.
“It goes without saying that our coastal resources are the bedrock for the food security and livelihoods for many of our maritime communities; sustaining these coastal resources in Fiji is vital.”
Fiji’s 20-year National Development Plan (NDP) commits to increased food production and supply of fisheries products, partnering with the private sector in the diversification of export markets, trade facilitation, product research and development, infrastructure and building a conducive operating environment for a vibrant fisheries sector.
“Our Fiji delegation includes a member of the private sector, and it is this type of partnership that we try to encourage in order to facilitate all-round cooperation for sustainable agriculture and fisheries sectors, respectively. In Fiji, we also have the Blue Prosperity Fiji, which aspires to improve long-term economic stability, livelihoods, communities and health of ocean ecosystems.”
The meeting was attended by Ministers of Agriculture and Fisheries from eight Pacific Island countries.
The meeting was attended by the Minister for Agriculture and Waterways Vatimi Rayalu and Kalaveti Ravu with senior officials of their respective ministries.
