Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi officially opened the Apia Deep Sea Fishing Company Limited fish processing and packing plant yesterday at Matautu, Apia.
The Apia Deep Sea Fishing company is a local branch of the Yuh Yow Fisheries Company Ltd from Taiwan.
In his address, the Prime Minister said the opening of this facility is an achievement as the first ever Fisheries Access Agreement between the Government of Samoa and a foreign company.
“A milestone that requires a special mention and recognition,” said the Prime Minister.
According to Tuilaepa consultations for the setup of this company in Apia commenced three years ago.
He said some issues that later emerged in the negotiations were to do with ironing out details, ensuring that the business interest of the Yuh Yow Fisheries Co Ltd as well as the interest of the Samoa Government were given due consideration in terms of financial and economic benefits.
“Equally important in the consideration by the Government was the issue of the sustainability of the fisheries resources in the long term,” said Tuilaepa.
Managing Director of this new fishing company is Chao – Ting Chen who assured that this partnership is a long term venture that should benefit all parties.
Minister of Fisheries Le Mamea Ropati Mualia cut the ribbon to officially open the facility.
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