The Minister for Pacific Peoples and Associate Minister of Foreign Affairs, Aupito William Sio and FFA Director-General, Dr Manumatavai Tupou-Roosen announced, at the Our Ocean conference, that the New Zealand Government will commit to a US$3.4 million partnership with the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA).
Radio New Zealand reports that Aupito said fishing is a major big asset in the region, for example in Tokelau, 81 percent of its non-aid money comes from fishing.
He said New Zealand’s financial commitment to the FFA is for 4 years.
Increasing jobs and economic benefits from the Pacific’s offshore fisheries is the focus of the partnership.
New Zealand also committed US$3 million towards climate change assessment. The funds will go to the University of the South Pacific and the University of Canterbury.
The next Our Ocean conference will be in Panama in 2023.
