The 2019/2020 fiscal envelope anchors the Ministry of Fisheries’ work on increasing the fisheries sector’s contribution to the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP), says Fisheries Minister Semi Koroilavesau.
Mr Koroilavesau said the first objective of the ministry in the 2019/2020 financial year would be to optimise their service delivery to the people of Fiji through the ministry’s 32 service centres.
He said the ministry’s programs would focus on an increase in aquaculture, coastal and offshore fisheries productivity and a decrease in the negative socio-economic impacts that resulted from non-compliance to the fisheries regulations in both the inshore and offshore fishery.
He also said their second objective was to maximise operational efficiency and the third was to drive fiscal efficiency.
“Honourable Speaker sir, these objectives have been established to ensure that we increase the outreach of our extension and advisory services and the frequency of these services, increase the effectiveness of our project implementation; and increase compliance to fisheries laws and regulations,” he said.
Mr Koroilavesau said to increase productivity in the aquaculture sector, the ministry’s worked hinged on mobilising the private sector.
“Hatchery production, advance partnerships, farmer training, research and development, as well as targeted financial assistance will underpin the ministry’s activity in 2019-2020 fiscal year.”
