The Governor-General of Papua New Guinea HE Sir Paulias Matane paid a courtesy visit to the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) regional headquarters in West Kola'a ridge in Honiara.
FFA Deputy Director General Dr. Transform Aqorau warmly welcomed the Governor General to the office. Staff gave presentations on the Agency's expert fisheries management, development and operations advice and services to member countries, including Papua New Guinea.The Governor General was informed of FFA's ongoing efforts to increase national capacity and strengthen regional solidarity so that member countries can manage their fisheries for the benefit of people today and for future generations.
FFA Deputy Director General Dr Transform Aqorau said that they are pleased Governor-General of Papua New Guinea HE Sir Paulias Matane accepted their invitation to be updated about the work they do at FFA.
"Since 1979, FFA has facilitated regional cooperation so that all Pacific countries benefit from the sustainable use of our tuna - worth over $3 billion a year and important for many people's livelihoods in the Pacific, including in Papua New Guinea. We look forward to working with His Excellency and Government of Papua New Guinea to build regional cooperation and sustainable development of fisheries in the future."
Governor-General of Papua New Guinea HE Sir Paulias Matane in his reply praised the staff of FFA for the work they are doing. "I want to praise FFA staff for the work they are doing here for the people of the Pacific. They are totally committed and highly experienced to making positive changes for people in the 17 members."
"I am concerned about fishing boats which come into our waters and get fish without us knowing - they are stealing our fish. My hope is in the future, we can use technology, like that I have seen today, satellite technology to catch the ships which are stealing in our waters. This will be good for all 17 members of FFA," said HE Sir Paulias Matane.