PNG fish export hub in China

Papua New Guinea through the National Fisheries Authority has open up a PNG Fisheries Holding and Distribution Facility in Guangzhou province, China.

This marking a bold move to connect rural fishermen directly to one of the world’s largest seafood markets.

The initiative aims to empower local fishermen by allowing the export of selected live fish directly from PNG to China.

The new facility is designed to improve earnings for rural communities by cutting out middlemen and ensuring higher returns.

This is a step towards empowering our local fishermen to catch selected live fish for export.

The best part is that it promotes sustainable fishing we won't take small fish, said Fisheries and Marine Resources Minister Jelta Wong

Minister Wong says the facility uses a streamlined process involving collection tanks and air freight, ensuring freshness and quality in supply.

"Fish that meet specific size and market requirements are collected and flown directly from PNG to Guangzhou", the minister explains

"The move also complements recent investments in supply chain logistics and direct airline routes between Guangzhou and Port Moresby".

National Fisheries Authority Managing Director Justin Ilakini say these improvements are critical to maintaining quality, increasing production, and ensuring consistent supply to overseas buyers.

Ilakini says the launch is the culmination of six years of planning and investment and is being hailed as a landmark moment for PNG’s fisheries industry.

"This facility brings one of the world’s biggest markets closer to our people. The challenge now is to maintain consistency and scale", Ilakini added.

With no minimum volume requirements, the project promises direct cash flow to rural fishermen, offering a potentially transformative impact on their livelihoods.