Korean Fisheries Conference Boosts CONfiDENCE FOR FIJI AND THE PACIfiC
The Republic of Korea has once again shown its commitment towards development in Fiji and the Pacific by having Fiji host the Korea International Cooperation Conference on Oceans and Fisheries.
This is the second time Fiji has hosted the event, the first in 2015. Coming under the Korea’s Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, the aim of the conference is to strengthen the cooperative relationship between the Pacific Island Countries and the Republic of Korea.
With South Korea’s transition from aid to being a donor nation, the country has made successful leaps in terms of enhancing development in all sectors including the fisheries sector.
The theme of the two-day conference, held at the Grand Pacific Hotel, was on Sustainable Ocean and Fisheries Development in the Pacific Countries.
Present were regional fisheries ministers and representatives from the fisheries ministries and department. Minister of Fisheries, Semi Koroilavesau acknowledged the government and the people of Korea for such a foresighted commitment in hosting the event. Mr Koroilavesau reiterated that the events as such were a way to foster conversation surrounding issues that are often faced by the fisheries industry.
Korea’s Marine Development Division director, Kim Hyun-tae, said this year marked 9th anniversary of the conference.
The division comes under Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries. Mr Kim said conference was a platform to diversify Korea’s relationship for bilateral and multilateral ties.
“The first and major purpose of our international conference is to discover new and joint projects with our neighbouring countries,” Mr Kim said.
“Specifically, through ways in tackling the climate crisis and climate change.”
He added that they were looking forward to the proposal that would be recommended by the participating countries.
Marshall Island, Tuvalu views
Embassy of the Republic of the Marshall Island representative, Terry Keju urged Korea to continue supporting the Pacific in the areas of climate resilience among the agenda.
High Commissioner of Tuvalu, Esele Apinelu, said there were many lessons to learn and emulate from Korea.
“Tuvalu targets to be more like the Korean nation, a steadfast development economy, phased with the recognition of environmental issues,” he said.
Tuvaluan Minister for Fisheries and Trade, Kitiona Tausi highlighted the key issues that the island nation could work with Korea on. They are in areas of:
Renewable energy alternatives
Water Issues
Trainings of Tuvaluans in the field of Marine (scholarship)