The National Fisheries Authority has welcomed the interest of Japanese seafood giant, Kiyomura Corporation.
Kiyomura Corporation (KC), renowned for its high-end sushi restaurant chain is in talk with National Fisheries Authority to enter into two deals.
National Fisheries Authority (NFA) is proposing a distribution and holding facility arrangement in Japan, similar to existing models in Singapore and Guangzhou, China. The facilities will ensure PNG’s exports are consolidated and distributed to major retail and wholesale buyers. A similar arrangement through KC would strengthen PNG’s seafood footprint in the Japanese market.
NFA is also encouraging long-term investment opportunities in onshore processing, cold storage, and aquaculture development. These initiatives would contribute to job creation, wealth generation for communities, and sustainable fisheries resource management.
NFA Managing Director Justin Ilakini assured Kiyomura Corporation of the Authority’s full support in facilitating scoping and feasibility missions in PNG.
“Kiyomura Corporation’s involvement has the potential to unlock significant economic benefits for our people while strengthening PNG’s position as a sustainable and reliable seafood exporter,” Ilakini said.
“We are committed to supporting Kimura and his team in assessing these opportunities.”
Noting that president of KC Kiyoshi Kimura is exploring options that align with PNG’s national fisheries and aquaculture priorities, Ilakini also added that the interest from KC is timely and aligns strategically with the National Tuna Development Strategy and National Aquaculture Development Policy.
“We welcome Kiyomura Corporation’s interest as it directly complements our goals of sustainable fisheries development, job creation, and broadening access to international markets for PNG seafood,” Ilakini stated.
“This potential partnership signals another step forward in transforming PNG into a key player in the global seafood supply chain.”
This engagement reinforces the NFA’s commitment to sustainable development, community-based livelihoods, and inclusive growth in the fisheries sector, in line with the PNG Government’s economic transformation agenda.
KC was founded in 1985, has built a strong reputation for sourcing high-quality marine products and operating a chain of sushi restaurants throughout Japan. The company is also known for its record-breaking tuna purchases at Tokyo’s fish markets.
