JAYAPURA — The Papua Provincial Government officially sent off an export shipment of fishery products to Los Angeles, United States, through Jayapura Port on Tuesday (February 24).

The export launch was marked by a ceremonial dispatch of 17 tons of processed tuna products, witnessed by regional government officials and business representatives.

The exported products consisted of frozen yellowfin tuna, clean cut (CC), frozen yellowfin tuna ground meat, and frozen yellowfin tuna poke cubes, produced by Chen Woo Fishery Company.

Papua Vice Governor Aryoko Rumaropen said the export was an important momentum for encouraging regional economic growth, particularly in the marine and fisheries sector.

"The success of this export is not only about the numbers and transaction value, but also about how the welfare of fishermen, as the spearhead of the sector, can continue to improve," he said.

He added that the Papua Provincial Government, through the relevant agencies, would continue to strengthen assistance for fishermen and promote increased capacity in the fish-processing industry so that it can compete in the international market.

This export shipment is also expected to expand the overseas market network for Papua's fishery products while opening opportunities for local employment.

"We hope that similar export activities can grow in several other coastal areas such as Biak Numfor Regency and Sarmi Regency, so that industrialization in the fisheries sector can develop more evenly," he concluded. ***