Members mark steady progress in regional efforts to grow Pacific tuna value: 7th ENBi Working Group Meeting
Members of the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) met in Suva recently for the 7th East New Britain Initiative (ENBi) Working Group Meeting, progressing regional efforts to increase economic and social returns from Pacific tuna fisheries through strengthened cooperation, investment, and value chain development.
The meeting brought together participating FFA Members alongside regional organisations and development partners, including the European Union and the World Bank, to review progress under the ENBi work programme and advance discussions on practical implementation priorities aimed at increasing regional participation across the tuna value chain.
Matilda Bartley of Samoa. Photo: FFA
Glen Joseph of the Republic of Marshall Islands. Photo: FFA
Teeta Erikate of Kiribati. Photo: FFA
Discussions focused on updates to the ENBi workplan, budget and resourcing arrangements, as well as progress toward establishing the Regional Fisheries Development Fund, intended to support fisheries investments and unlock financing opportunities for infrastructure and development initiatives across the region.
The Working Group also highlighted the critical role of private sector participation in progressing ENBi initiatives, noting that implementation will ultimately be driven through commercially viable national and regional investments supported by coordinated regional facilitation.
Members reviewed progress since the last ENBi Working Group Meeting in October 2025, including updates on initiatives such as the Tripartite Arrangement and developments under the Bina Harbour Project in the Solomon Islands, which continue to demonstrate practical pathways toward increased in-region processing and economic participation.
Lisa Sugumanu of Solomon Islands: Photo: FFA
Stephen Harris of New Zealand. Photo: FFA
Camille Inatio of the Federated States of Micronesia. Photo: FFA
Held on the margins of the 2nd FFA Development Partner Symposium, the meeting provided an opportunity to reinforce engagement with development partners, recognising that collaboration and strategic investment remain central to advancing ENBi objectives.
The 7th ENBi Working Group was chaired by Jonathan Manieva, Senior Manager-Special and Strategic Projects of the Papua New Guinea National Fisheries Authority.
Mr Manieva said the meeting demonstrated continued regional commitment to advancing ENBi priorities.
“The ENBi continues to provide an important regional platform for Members to work collectively on opportunities that increase value from our tuna resources. This meeting reinforced the need for clear implementation pathways, stronger collaboration and closer engagement with partners and industry to translate regional ambition into tangible national benefits.”
FFA Director-General Noan David Pakop emphasised Members’ focus on delivering practical outcomes under the Initiative.
“The discussions at this Working Group highlight that the ENBi is moving steadily from concept toward implementation. Members are focused on practical outcomes – to strengthen market access, attract investors and work more closely with the private sector to maximise the economic value of Pacific tuna resources.”
FFA Director-General Noan David Pakop and chair of the 7th ENBi Working Group, Jonathan Manieva. Photo: FFA
Mr Pakop reaffirmed that partnership and collaboration with Members, regional and development partners will remain central to progress the ENBi priorities.
Members also discussed governance and implementation considerations for the proposed Regional Fisheries Development Fund, noting the importance of clear institutional arrangements, investment readiness, and alignment with national development priorities as the initiative progresses.
FFA ENBi Policy and Investment Advisor, Franklin Forau leads the FFA Secretariat’s support to assist Members in accelerating the ENBi goals and implementation. Photo: FFA
The outcomes of the meeting will inform ongoing implementation of the ENBi work programme and future reporting to the Forum Fisheries Committee – FFA’s governing council.
The East New Britain Initiative is a Member-driven regional platform endorsed by Pacific Leaders in 2023 to explore innovative pathways for increasing economic benefits from tuna fisheries through regional processing, value addition, trade development, and greater participation of Pacific Island countries in fisheries-related industries.
SUVA, 04 MARCH 2026
| Media Contacts: Emily V. Moli FFA Communications Manager e: [email protected] Ernest Ta'asi FFA Communications Officer e: ernest.ta’[email protected] Priscilla Ragu FFA Communications Officer e: [email protected] |  |
| About Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) FFA assists its 17 Members to sustainably manage fishery resources that fall within their 200-mile Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs). FFA provides expertise, technical assistance and other support to its members who make decisions about their tuna resources and participate in regional decision making on tuna management. Find out more here: www.ffa.int |
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