The National Fisheries Authority (NFA) today welcomed the interest of Japanese seafood giant, Kiyomura Corporation, in exploring potential investment opportunities in Papua New Guinea’s fisheries sector.
NFA said the president of the Kiyomura Corporation, Kiyoshi Kimura, known as Japan’s “Tuna King” was exploring options to align with PNG’s national fisheries and aquaculture priorities.
Kiyomura Corporation is renowned for its high-end sushi restaurant chain.
NFA Managing Director Justin Ilakini said the interest from Kiyomura Corporation was timely and aligned strategically with the National Tuna Development Strategy and National Aquaculture Development Policy, which aimed to expand the sector, increase value-added processing and enhance market access for PNG’s seafood products.
“We welcome Kiyomura Corporation’s interest as it directly complements our goals of sustainable fisheries development, job creation, and broadening access to international markets for PNG seafood,” Mr Ilakini said.
“This potential partnership signals another step forward in transforming PNG into a key player in the global seafood supply chain.”
Kiyomura Corporation, founded in 1985, has built a strong reputation for sourcing high-quality marine products and operating a chain of sushi restaurants throughout Japan. It is well known for its record-breaking tuna purchases at Tokyo’s fish markets.
The corporation’s involvement in PNG’s fisheries sector could bring high-level expertise, technology transfer, and international recognition to the country’s tuna and seafood industries.
NFA is proposing a distribution and holding facility arrangement in Japan, similar to existing facilities in Singapore and Guangzhou (China), where PNG exports are consolidated and distributed to major retail and wholesale buyers
“A similar arrangement through Kiyomura Corporation would strengthen PNG’s seafood footprint in the Japanese market,” Mr Ilakini said.
“NFA is encouraging long-term investment opportunities in onshore processing, cold storage,
and aquaculture development.”
He added that these initiatives would contribute to job creation, wealth generation for communities, and sustainable fisheries resource management.
Mr. Ilakini assured Kiyomura Corporation of NFA’s full support in facilitating scoping and feasibility missions in PNG.
“Kiyomura Corporation’s involvement has the potential to unlock significant economic benefits for our people while strengthening PNG’s position as a sustainable and reliable seafood exporter.
“We are committed to supporting Mr. Kimura and his team in assessing these opportunities.”
“This engagement reinforces the NFA’s commitment to sustainable development, community-based livelihoods, and inclusive growth in the fisheries sector, in line with the PNG Government’s economic transformation agenda.”