The National Fisheries Authority (NFA) has welcomed the interest of Japanese seafood giant, Kiyomura Corporation, in exploring potential investment opportunities in Papua New Guinea’s fisheries sector. Kiyomura Corporation, renowned for its high-end sushi restaurant chain and led by the iconic “Tuna King” Mr. Kiyoshi Kimura, President of Kiyomura Corporation, is exploring options that align with PNG’s national fisheries and aquaculture priorities. NFA Managing Director Mr. Justin Ilakini said the interest from Kiyomura Corporation is timely and aligns strategically with the National Tuna Development Strategy and National Aquaculture Development Policy, both of which aim to expand the sector, increase value-added processing, and enhance market access for PNG’s seafood products. “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,” Mr. Ilakini stated. “This potential partnership signals another step forward in transforming PNG into a key player in the global seafood supply chain.” Kiyomura Corporation, 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. Its involvement in PNG's fisheries sector could bring high-level expertise, technology transfer, and international recognition to the country's tuna and seafood industries. Two proposals have been identified for possible collaboration:  NFA is proposing a distribution and holding facility arrangement in Japan, like existing models in Singapore and Guangzhou (China), where PNG exports are consolidated and distributed to major retail and wholesale buyers. A similar arrangement through Kiyomura Corporation would strengthen PNG’s seafood footprint in the Japanese market.  NFA is 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. Mr. 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,” Mr. Ilakini said. “We are committed to supporting Mr. Kimura and his team in assessing these opportunities.” 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.