PNG, Japan Mark New Chapter with Redevelopment of National Fisheries College
A groundbreaking ceremony for the redevelopment of the National Fisheries College (NFC) in Kavieng is set to take place, following a recent high-level meeting between Prime Minister James Marape and Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) President, Mr. Akihiko Tanaka, in Tokyo.
National Fisheries Authority (NFA) Managing Director Justin Ilakini welcomed the K92 million project, describing it as a major milestone in the longstanding partnership between Papua New Guinea and Japan through JICA.
Mr. Ilakini said the college redevelopment reflects Japan’s commitment to human capital development and infrastructure investment in the fisheries sector. He highlighted that the project is a direct result of successful cooperation between the two nations.
Since 2006, PNG’s fisheries sector has received more than USD 63.2 million in Official Development Assistance from Japan, including technical training, grants, and infrastructure support aimed at enhancing sustainability and capacity building.
Ilakini added that Japan’s support has played a crucial role in combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing and in implementing the National Tuna Domestication Strategy 2025–2035.
Alongside the college upgrade, Japan has also pledged to support the procurement of a new fisheries research and training vessel to enhance maritime surveillance and training capabilities.
Ilakini praised the initiative as an investment in the country’s long-term economic vision and thanked the Government of Japan for aligning with PNG’s goals to strengthen the tuna value chain, increase job creation, and enhance food security.
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