Fiji domestic tuna industry contributes $200 million to the GDP - Ravu

Fiji’s domestic tuna industry has contributed $200 million towards Fiji’s GDP and employs over 16,000 Fijians with around 1,677 people as crew on offshore fishing vessels and over 2000 employed in the processing plants.

Minister for Fisheries Kalaveti Ravu highlighted this after launching the inaugural Fiji Tuna Symposium.

Ravu says the two-day event is compelling for the participants to think and make plans to sustainably develop our Fiji Tuna fishing sector into the future.

He says the event will also provide a moment to reflect, celebrate and plan for the future of the home-grown industry and recognise the determination and aspiration of the people of Fiji to sustainably use our marine resources and contribute to growing our small island economy in the face of the many challenges facing us today.

Participants at today's Tuna symposium with Fisheries Minister, Kalaveti Ravu (in garland)  [Image: Fiji Government]

The Minister adds the symposium is an opportunity to assess our progress, analyze challenges and secure opportunities to bring to fruition our 2029 goals.

He adds our nation is serious about growing our economy and to this effect, the coalition government is committed to working with national partners to safeguard our domestic industries and commits to finding innovative pathways to ease the cost of doing business in Fiji.