The country’s Tuna Industry continues to provide much needed local employment opportunities while at the same time contributes significantly to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) standing.
The Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Nestor Giro highlighted this over the weekend at celebrations marking World Tuna Day in the Tuna town of Noro, Western Province.
Minister Giro witnessed firsthand the growing fisheries and infrastructure developments in Noro which is fronted by the country’s two leading Tuna Industry players, SolTuna and the National Fisheries Development (NFD) Ltd.
In the last two years, Minister Giro said there has been a significant increase in employment in the tuna sector.
He said more than 2700 locals are employed, which from his Ministry’s record, shows more than 75% are employed in the processing sector while 25% in the fishing sector.
“We understand that many more are employed indirectly through this sector”, Giro said.
The theme for this year’s World Tuna Day celebration is “TUNA…OUR PRICED ASSET” which reflects the importance of Tuna to the National Economy and people’s livelihood.
Similar celebrations were held in Honiara on 6 May, which gathered Tuna Industry players including the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources, the Forum Fisheries Agency and Honiara-based Tuna Industry members.
Minister Giro’s delegation to Noro included Deputy Secretaries Patterson Lusi, Rosalie Masu and Director of Fisheries Edward Honiwala.
Activities organised for the celebrations in Noro ended on Sunday 16 May.
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