The completion of a new fishing wharf project at Lautoka would significantly strengthen the fishing industry and create further employment as well as broaden Fiji’s economic base, said the then minister for agriculture, fisheries and forests Jo Nacola.
This report was published by The Fiji Times on Friday, May 1, 1987, and taken from a speech Mr Nacola made at Lautoka during the ground-breaking ceremony for a new $10million fishing port funded by the Japanese government.
During the ceremony at which the Japanese ambassador was also present, Mr Nacola was accorded a traditional Fijian welcome.
Thanking the Japanese ambassador, Toshio Isogai, the minister said the Fiji government was strongly committed to the further development of fishing resources in our country.
“The positive involvement of the Japanese government in the Pacific in economic development is well realised and deeply appreciated,” the minister said.
“In the particular case of Fiji, development assistance from the Japanese government has been proceeding for some years in a very meaningful way.”
The then Ministry of Primary Industries had been the grateful beneficiary of Japanese aid in several fields.
“These include the provision of several fishing vessels for research and development purposes including Ika No.5 and the Tui ni Wasabula, the provision of fishing equipment including marine engines and ice making facilities as well as considerable grant and technical assistance in the field of aquaculture,” the minister said.
“In addition, the Japanese International Co-operation Agency was assisting considerably in the important area of rice research, and in that regard, I must mention the rice research laboratory at Koronivia Research Station.
“The government and people of Fiji are most grateful for this valuable assistance to our national development effort.
“We have ratified this agreement because of our deep commitment to the wise exploitation of our marine resources for the good of our people.
“With the help from friends like Japan, we are now on our way to the fulfilment of our aspirations and plans in this regard,” he added, referring to Fiji being the first country in the world to ratify the Law of the Sea Convention.
“This fishing port complex will comprise a breakwater and a main wharf, each 260 metres in length, together with a 60-metre fishing jetty, a new fisheries office, workshop, ice plant, slipway, canteen, and cutter-boat landing.”
