Two new Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs)were signed on Wednesday 23rd July 2025, by the National Fisheries Authority (NFA) and the Japan’s Overseas Fishery Cooperation Foundation (OFCF). This was a significant milestone for Papua New Guinea’s fisheries sector as the MOUs valued at more than K2.5 million and the agreements marked a continued strengthening of a partnership that has spanned nearly two decades. The signing ceremony, held at OFCF headquarters in Tokyo, was led by NFA Managing Director Mr. Justin Ilakini and OFCF President Mr. Shirasu Toshiro. The newly signed MOUs encompass the provision of essential goods and services and include a broader Fisheries Development Assistance for Pacific Island Nations (FDA PIN) agreement. This framework aims to support the sustainable development of fisheries across the Pacific region. In his official remarks, Mr. Ilakini expressed gratitude to the Government of Japan and paid special tribute to the OFCF for its steadfast support of Papua New Guinea’s fisheries development since 2006. “Our partnership with OFCF has delivered tangible outcomes through a wide array of programs and projects valued at over USD 6.5 million since 2008.” “These include the FDA PIN, trap net initiatives, technical advisory services, value-adding activities, and grants for goods and services that have directly benefited our coastal and offshore fisheries,” Mr. Ilakini said. He reaffirmed NFA’s commitment to these initiatives, highlighting ongoing support from the Government of Papua New Guinea as outlined in the project agreements. Underscoring the strength of the partnership, Mr. Ilakini pointed to the continued secondment of OFCF expert Mr. Igarashi Makoto to the NFA. Mr. Igarashi is currently serving as Fisheries Advisor to PNG through NFA assisting NFA on Japanese Government funded Programs and Projects implemented in PNG through NFA." During the meeting, Mr. Ilakini also encouraged OFCF to align its support with NFA’s strategic policy priorities, particularly the National Tuna Development Strategy. He stressed the importance of addressing gaps along the fisheries value chain, building institutional and human capacity, and promoting value-adding initiatives that can boost economic returns for local communities. “These new agreements not only reaffirm the trust and cooperation between our two institutions, but also lay a strong foundation for innovative, policy-driven support aligned with our vision for a vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive fisheries sector.” The OFCF is a Japanese government-affiliated institution mandated to provide technical and grant assistance in fisheries cooperation, particularly to countries that maintain bilateral offshore fisheries access agreements with Japan.