SUVA, Feb. 25 (Xinhua) -- Fiji hosted the Development Partners Symposium in Suva under the theme "Casting Together for Impactful and Sustainable Fisheries" on Wednesday.
The event, convened by the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) Secretariat, brought together regional leaders, development partners and stakeholders to discuss strategic cooperation in offshore fisheries, particularly tuna management.
Fijian Minister for Fisheries and Forests Alitia Bainivalu said no single country or institution can achieve long-term prosperity in offshore fisheries alone, noting that success requires strong political will, sound management and strategic investments.
Fisheries, especially tuna, remain vital economic assets for many Pacific Island countries, contributing significantly to national incomes through access arrangements and related activities, she said.
The Minister highlighted that effective management, including stock assessments, monitoring and governance, forms the foundation for sustainable development.
Bainivalu stressed that the ultimate goal is to convert stability into tangible economic benefits such as investment, processing, employment and technological advancement, thereby strengthening economic resilience. ■