NIPG signs MOA for fishing
The New Ireland Provincial Government and its business arm, New Ireland Development Corporation [NIDC], have signed a lease and joint venture agreement with PNG FJ Enterprises
This move is aimed at strengthening fisheries development and creating long term business opportunities for local communities in New Ireland province.
The signing took place at the New Ireland Provincial Legislative House of Assembly, in Kavieng.
Deputy Governor and Chairman of Natural Resources, and Fisheries, Clifford Kolivos, Chairman NIDC- Chris Tarkap, PNGFJ representatives, Jordan of Yee Parts Enterprises, Jack NGI Supplies Kavieng, and Peter, of Joe Tong signed the lease agreement, witnessed by Assistant Registrar National Court Kavieng, Andrew Talingapua, and Pius Freeman, NIDC board member.
Deputy Governor Clifford Kolivos says, this project was initiated by late Governor Chan, for small scale coastal fishing, which they are only implementing.
Chairman NIDC, Chris Tarkap added, the agreement follows a MOA signed in 2024, between the Provincial Government-late Governor Sir Julius Chan and PNG FJ Enterprises.
Tarkap says, this revised, partnership now aims to create employment, engage island communities in fisheries, especially communities that cannot afford agriculture, like Murat and Lavongai.
He says, under the joint venture and the lease agreement, “mipla revisim tasol wer, renovation blong cooler storage facility has been completed, wer mipla bin baim fish pinis, [2024]. “We successfully did a domestic sale to Lae with 10 tonnes in the first round, and in the second round we exported 5 tonnes.
Mr Tarkap said NFA is assisting them to securee an international export license [GACC] to enter the Chinese market later this year, from New Ireland direct to China.
He also revealed that phase two will include demolition and reconstruction of existing Wild Life Conservation building to farm bech- demer and sales of fishing equipment’s on the ground floor, and on the top floor will be an office space for the provincial fisheries.
Tarkap also announced that materials are already fabricated and awaits shipment from China to Kavieng to erect the building.
Other development of a car park and service stations comes after in the third phase. Meantime, he said K10 million has been approved by PEC for NIDC to purchase two fast boats to assist the fishing projects in the islands.