A memorandum of understanding signed by the Fisheries Ministry and the Overseas Fishery Cooperation Foundation of Japan (OFCF) will see the improvement of ice plant services in Fiji.
The MOU will see the provision of much needed ice plant spare parts set up in Nabouwalu, Kubulau in Bua, Rotuma, Gau, Cicia and Moala in Lau by OFCF.
Speaking during the signing last week the foundation’s resident representative, Shimamoto Kunikazu said apart from these, OFCF would also provide working tools to boost the operation of the Lami refrigeration workshop and a hiab truck to support technical services delivery from the Lami Techincal Services Division.
Mr Kunikazu said OFCF was proud of their continued relations with the ministry since 1990.
“Since then, we have been assisting the Fiji Government through technical co-operation, promotion of exchange of visits of senior fishery personnel between Fiji and Japan as well as the secondment of fisheries experts to support the Ministry of Fisheries,” explained Mr Kunikazu.
“This signing ensures that we start this new financial year with phase seven of our Fisheries Development Assistance for Pacific Island Nations (FDAPIN).”
Fisheries Minister Semi Koroilavesau said the initiative supported their efforts of “taking the market to the people” by establishing such facilities in Malaka (Vanuabalavu), Levuka (Ovalau) and Kavala (Kadavu).
“Further to that, we are indeed more grateful to be the first recipient of the “Eco-refrigerant project” another project initiated by OFCF in support of Pacific Island countries’ development said Mr Koroilavesau.
“The Ministry of Fisheries – Fiji welcomes the opportunity to phase out ice making facilities which are still using HCFC-gases and ensure our compliance to the Montreal Protocol agreement.”
Currently the ministry has 24 ice-plants around Fiji supporting fishermen with their subsistence and income generating ventures.
