PHILIPPINES FISHING COMPANY SEEKS PARTNER IN

PALAU
Delegation in Palau to consider obstacles to joint venture

By Bernadette H. Carreon

KOROR (Palau Horizon, Mar 9, 2009) - A delegation from the General Santos City tuna fishing industry is in Palau to look into a joint venture fishing deal with fishing companies here.

The mission is aimed at addressing the obstacles to a venture in Palau by Philippine shipping companies.

The Palau Fishing Association (PFA) earlier said that it is working out an arrangement with the fishing federation in the Philippines to ensure a joint fishing venture.

Earlier, a meeting was conducted between fisheries officials and fishing companies in Palau in General Santos City, Philippines.

Emiliano Kazuma, PFA president said that a memorandum of understanding (MOA) was executed with the federation to forge a possible fishing business collaboration with the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) .

Prior to the mission here, tuna industry players from the Philippines lamented the USD 0.35 per kg export tax imposed by Palau on tuna and tuna-like species.

Lucio Ngiraiwet, member of the PFA said that they will also lobby against an increase in export tax on tuna or tuna-like species.

He said that although the fishing companies in the Philippines thinks that the current export tax of 35 US cents per kilogram is hefty; Ngiraiwet said other arrangements are underway to make sure that the venture will prosper.

The delegation will consist of seven local tuna fishing industry associations.