Gabriel Kapris, Papua New Guinea Minister of Trade and Commerce, urged local industry players to expand operations in their country in order to lure Pinoyy tuna investors. According to the information two tuna industry players-RD Tuna Canners (PNG) Ltd., a subsidiary of homegrown business empire RD Group of Companies, and Frabelle (PNG) Ltd. of Frabelle Fishing Corp. are the biggest firms operating tuna canneries in the country.
Kapris informed that the government has set up a marine industry park to boost foreign investments on the tuna industry. He added the government is now open for more investments in the tuna industry and hoping that the Filipino fishing maganate would take this opportunity.
RD Tuna Canners has pioneered the canned tuna in the country that spur its economy and become the largest employer in Madang province. On the other hand Frabelle has started its US$31.25 million tuna cannery in Lae City, Morobe province about two years ago. These two Filipino companies got overwhelming response in Papua New Guinea and are planning to expand or start new ventures in the country.
Malcolm Sarmiento, director of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), has urged the government to free the fishing access for tuna with the two Pacific Island nations to further boost the local tuna industry. Last year a resolution was approved in the 9th National Tuna Congress, which states to establish a fast track forging of bilateral or regional fishing pacts with neighboring countries and the Pacific Island nations.
