Fiji’s Ambassador to Japan His Excellency Mr Isikeli Mataitoga paid a courtesy visit to Mr Yoshio Ishizuka, the President of the Overseas Fishery Cooperation Foundation of Japan (OFCFJ) recently.

He was accompanied by First Secretary Jovesa Vocea and Trade and Investment Officer Kelera Savu.

The purpose of the visit was to further develop relations with OFCFJ and explore further opportunities.

The OFCFJ was established in June, 1973 with the objectives to maintain and enhance amicable relationship in the fisheries field between Japan and coastal countries concerned by way of extending technical and economic cooperation for the development and promotion of their coastal fisheries and for the effective management of international marine resources conducted by the regional fisheries organisations concerned.

HE Mataitoga updated Mr Ishizuka and his team of political developments taking place in Fiji. He also explained that Fiji value’s Japan’s contribution to our fisheries industry especially the establishment of the Pacific Fishing Company (PAFCO) by a Japanese firm in 1964.

The OFCFJ specialises in freezing and shipping canned tuna mostly to markets in Europe and Canada and was the largest private employer in the island of Ovalau in the Province of Lomaiviti.

HE Mataitoga explained that Fiji would like to see more Japanese involvement in our fisheries industry given their environmentally friendly and sustainable approach.