Fisheries Resources and Industry must involve Landowners and Provincial/ National Governments

by SAMSON KOMATI

Papua New Guinea's downstream fish processing companies/ canneries are almost wholly owned by foreign investors. Almost all fish factories/ canneries including marine park project development is owned/ operated by foreigners. I strongly think this has to change immediately.

All foreign fishing companies operating in Papua New Guinea must under a new set of laws partner with all coastal landowner umbrella companies as well as all concerned provincial governments on either 49/51 or 50/50 percent ownership or partnership business arrangement so that our people and governments (provincial and national) secure maximum returns to grow our local economy for the benefit of all Papua New Guineans.

The new Minister for Fisheries must engage a research team into finding out any and all these facts, recommend better policies and new laws (or amend existing laws pertaining) so that our vast fisheries resources and industry is developed to benefit us as well as foreign investors.

We cannot remain complacent witnesses to broad daylight exploitation of our fisheries resources, industry and her opportunities anymore. That's my take on this issue and the call therefore is made to the new Minister for Fisheries to take action.

Samson Komati Phone: 71651482 Samson.komati@gmail.com

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