China and Fiji have signed a “fishery cooperation memorandum of understanding,” according to a public statement from Fijian Minister for Fisheries Semi Koroilavesau.
Fiji is keen for Chinese assistance, “especially in the aquaculture sector,” according to an official statement from Koroilavesau, who met the ambassador, Qian Bo, at his ministry.
China will share expertise in fishery equipment and systems in a “very extensive” and “very principled” agreement, Qian said during the signing ceremony.
The meeting is the latest in a series of moves by China to increase its presence in Fiji’s fisheries. Yu Kangzhen, China’s top fisheries official, visited Fiji last year and promised major investments in processing and training in return for access to its waters.
Speaking to officials at the Fiji Ministry of Fisheries in Navu in 2017, Yu told his hosts, “We have huge potential for cooperation,” and promised China would create employment locally in processing, warehousing, and research facilities.
In response to concern from Australia and New Zealand over the impact of China’s Fiji fleet on regional waters, Yu promised Chinese fishing companies would adopt a “sustainable approach” to its fishing in Fiji.
China’s long-distance fishing fleet already has a sizeable presence in Fiji. Among the Chinese players operating in Fiji is Shandong Li Dao Science and Technology Co., also known as Lidao Oceanic Technology Co., Ltd. Lidao recently teamed up with Fortune Timber Co. to build the China-Fiji Fishery Industry Comprehensive Industry Park, according to a document from the provincial office of the National Development and Reform Commission of the People's Republic of China (NDRC), the key planning agency of the Chinese government.
Even though the firm hasn’t officially announced the project, Lidao – which describes itself as a fishing company with activities in aquaculture and shipping – has published photos on its website of a November 2017 visit to its headquarters in Rongcheng city by the Fijian ambassador to China.
Photo courtesy of Fijian Government
