Seven Pacific Islands small to medium-sized fishing companies have boosted their businesses after attending Seafood Expo Asia, where they met buyers and won orders, under a new area of support from the Forum Fisheries Agency.

The Pacific Pavilion at Seafood Expo Asia was set up by the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) who learned that companies who showcaseed their products and met buyers, had managed to secure confirmed orders following the show.

The seven FFA-supported companies were Tatiduh Seafoods Ltd. from Papua New Guinea; Golden Ocean, Solander, Sealand Processors and Sea Quest Ltd. from Fiji; Fuko Fishing Company Ltd. from Tonga; and Kiribati Fish Ltd. from Kiribati.

Thes companies also participated in promotional events at the Expo, includind Taste Kitchen with support from Sealand and Sea Quest Ltd., and a Young Chef’s challenge with support from Solander and Golden Ocean, and also a Product Showcase. FFA’s Investment Facilitation Adviser, Justin Ilakini made a presentation about FFA'’ contribution to the sustainable management of tuna resources in the Western and Central Pacific region.

Of the seven companies, one secured orders from two buyers worth several million dollars (USD), while others are still negotiating and finalising sales.

Jacob Kamau, Managing Director of Tatiduh Seafood Limited based in Papua New Guinea said

“Two companies have placed firm orders which surpass our annual volume.”

FFA Deputy Director General, Matt Hooper said this is a very new area of support for FFA. “We are pleased to see that results are showing immediately. SMEs in the Pacific face a lot of challenges including access to markets.”

Pre-arranged meetings between potential buyers and exhibitors had been arranged. There were 224 exhibitors from 34 countries at the 2018 Seafood Asia Expo held from 4 - 6 September 2018. Although this was mainly an Expo with Asian exhibitors and buyers, buyers also came from Russia, Spain and Canada. The Expo attracted over 7,000 visitors over three days with registered buyers from 75 countries.

After the event all products showcased were donated to charity.