The joint venture between Taiwanese Global Fisheries Limited and local Solfish Company has produced significant economic impacts in the country.
This year they export more than 50 reefer containers to overseas markets.
Global Fisheries Executive Officer Jack Chi Tien-I in an email sent to this paper on Tuesday said there tuna exports this year have increased.
“Currently, Global Fishery and Solfish export over 50 reefer containers.
“We have managed to bring in more long line vessels into Honiara after they have seen the success for our joint venture,” he stated.
Mr Chi Tien-I said their local business partner have also improved their onshore storage facility.
“Solfish Company already has a 200metric tonne cold storage available operating in the yard since the beginning of the year.
“Investment on the fish processing plant at the Leeroy’s Ranadi port is headed by Solfish,” he said.
“Global will focus on vessel management and procurement while Solfish will do the exporting and importing portion with long line fishing vessels,” he added.
The first consignment of tuna catch from long line vessels in Solomon Islands offloading and exporting to Japanese market started February last year.
This joint-venture displays steps taken by the Democratic Coalition for Change Government (DCCG) to reform its respective fisheries policies ensuring the creation of a conductive investment environment, one that is competitive regionally.
In doing so, the DCC Government is purposely striving to create more employment opportunities for Solomon Islanders residing in Honiara.
The Republic of China (ROC) embassy in Solomon Islands is also the key player to engage Taiwan companies to invest or establish business operations in Honiara.
Taiwan also brings in their Fisheries Observers who work alongside the Fisheries Department compliance officers during the port calling of the long line vessels throughout this year.
Solomon Islands Ports Authority Tri Marine Company and Maersk Line have also entered a similar business partnership last week.
Tri Marine will offload fish catch at Noro port which will be stored into reefer containers awaiting Maersk liners for container shipment to overseas markets.
By TEDDY KAFO
