sign fishing deal

Japan refuses to sign fishing deal

JAPAN has refused a renewed request to sign a multilateral fishing Agreement with Pacific nations. This emerged at a post- Forum meeting between island countries and a Japanese delegation led by the Japanese Ambassador to Fiji, Yasuo Hori.

Island countries have been pushing for a multilateral agreement since 1988, claim ing that Japanese operators play-off island countries against each other when negotiat ing fishing agreements.

Hori told islands representatives that Japanese fishing companies needed to maintain “flexibility” in arrangements with individual countries. In an opening address to the dialogue session, Hori said Japan would be increasing its contribution to the Forum organisation from SUS4OO,OOO to SUSSOO,OOO. This was apart from substantial Japanese aid to forum island countries. “We will continue to expand our aid to the South Pacific, particularly in the form of a grant and technical cooperation, which are much needed to meet expectations in the region,”

Hori said.

Aap