The East New Britain Initiative (ENBi) is gaining momentum as a transformative platform to maximise economic, social, and employment benefits from the Pacific tuna industry.
Speaking at the 9th Pacific Tuna Forum in Nadi, Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) Investment Facilitation Adviser Franklin Forau said ENBi represents a regional shift toward greater Pacific ownership and value creation across the tuna value chain.
“Over 50 percent of the world’s tuna comes from our waters, yet only around 15 percent is processed locally,” said Forau.
“ENBi was created to change that by promoting local processing, value addition, and inclusive participation across Pacific communities.”
Established in 2023 and endorsed by regional leaders, ENBi aligns with the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent and brings together Pacific governments, industry, and development partners under a shared vision of sustainable, inclusive growth.
The initiative promotes a ‘hubs and spokes’ model, with key processing hubs identified in Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Samoa, Solomon Islands, and the Federated States of Micronesia. This approach enables smaller island nations to access shared infrastructure, markets, and expertise.
ENBi’s Working Group, chaired by Papua New Guinea and supported by FFA members, Parties to the Nauru Agreement (PNA) countries, and regional partners – is advancing studies, investment plans, and a regional development fund to boost access to finance, infrastructure, and technical support.
“Building on our strong fisheries management record, the Pacific now has a unique opportunity to translate that success into real economic and social benefits,” Forau said.
“ENBi provides the roadmap to do just that – together, as a region.”
By fostering collaboration, innovation, and equitable participation, ENBi aims to reshape the Pacific tuna industry into a high-value, inclusive, and sustainable driver of prosperity for generations to come.
