Further assistance for Samoa’s industry

T|ie upgrading of Albacorp’s fish processing factory should lead to better financial returns for both the company and the country through increased exports. Four representatives from the Center for the Development of Industry (GDI) were on a follow up visit to Samoa to assist with the

upgrading of the Albacorp fish-processing

factory at Matautu.

GDI is an African, Caribbean and Pacific -

European Union financed by the European

Development Fund (EDF) under the Lome Convention.

“We asked GDI to assist us, on how we can reach EU standard for the exportation of our fish,” said the owner of Albacorp Robert Ripley. GDI Seafood Processing Consultant, Steve Roberts, said that there was a lot of work needed - such as attention to the drainage system inside and outside the building - in order for the building to meet EU standards.

Ripley added that his company was getting its own 80 ton vessel and the assistance in teaching the crew to use the vessel, quality control on the vessel and safety is also available from GDl’s representatives.

Albacorp currently exports to Japan, American Samoa, and to Los Angles and hopefully, Europe, in the future. GDI representative in Samoa, Afamasaga Toleafoa, explained further about the role of GDI. He writes: GDl’s purpose is to encourage and support the creation, expansion, and restructuring of industrial enterprises in the AGP countries. GDI specialises in giving direct assistance to enterprises, mainly as technical support and training, involving a transfer of knowledge.

GDI also fosters partnerships between AGP and European companies, which may take various forms: financial, technical or commercial partnerships, management contracts, licensing or franchise agreements, or subcontracting.

In this context, the Centre has co financed, with the South Pacific Project Facility, SPPF, a three-year comprehensive programme of assistance to the tuna sector within the Pacific Region, specifically in long line fishing techniques. Ten identified companies, have already benefited from this assistance, two of which are Samoan companies: Albacorp Enterprises Ltd, and Mann Sea Catch.

Colin McNelly, who carries out the assistance, is an experienced master fisherman. He concentrates on training the fisherman in fishing techniques and in the management and exploitation of their boats.

The main objectives of this assistance are to achieve improved performance from the tuna fishing boats, enhance long line fishing techniques, and improve the profitability of the companies and the quality of the final product This assistance will make a positive contribution to the future development of the sector. (Samoa Observer) ■