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FSM and the OFCF sign MOU on Fisheries Development Assistance for Pacific Island Nations

Palikir, Pohnpei (FSM Information Services): June 31, 2012 - A signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for implementation of the Fisheries Development Assistance for Pacific Islands Nations (FDAPIN) between the Government of the Federated States of Micronesia and the Overseas Fishery Cooperation Foundation of Japan (OFCF) was held at the Department of Foreign Affairs in Palikir on July 19, 2012. The Honorable Lorin S. Robert, Secretary of Foreign Affairs, and Mr. Shimba Fukuda, Resident Representative of OFCF based in Fiji, represented the FSM Government and OFCF, respectively, at the signing.

OFCF of Japan has a history of implementing FDAPIN project for 22 years since its inception in 1990. The FDAPIN Project is implementing technical transfer and capacity building through repair and restoration of Fishery related facilities in each of the four (4) states in the FSM.

In this fiscal year 2012, OFCF experts will conduct repair and restoration with respective local counterparts such as 3 boats and an Ice Plant for Yap Fishing Authority (YFA), Weno Ice Plant and 2 other ice plants in Chuuk, the Office of Fisheries and Aquaculture (OFA) Research Vessel M/V Lisoumwei and two other ice plants in Pohnpei, and the Lelu Ice Plant and 2 other ice plants in Kosrae. Capacity building of local counterparts is expected through the implementation of the program. OFCF will also conduct Fisheries Extension Services Assistance Project (FESAP) by providing advice on how to operate ice machines effectively.

It is hope that the project will further strengthen relationship of KIZUNA (bonds of friendship) between FSM and Japan through development of coastal fisheries in of the four states.

The signing ceremony was attended by Mr. Jackson Soram, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Multilateral Affairs and Mr. Koichi Sakonju, Resident Representative of OFCF FSM Office.