Two MFOR officials attended INFOFISH Special Governing Council Session 2026 (July Session) held from 6–7 July 2026, followed by the 39th INFOFISH Technical and Advisory Board Meeting from 8–10 July 2026 at the Fisheries Development Authority Office (LKIM), Puchong,Selangor, Malaysia.
Kiribati participated in the meetings as a valued member of the INFOFISH Governing Council, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening regional cooperation and advancing sustainable fisheries and aquaculture development across the Asia-Pacific region.
During the two-day Special Governing Council Session, member countries deliberated on a range of key administrative, organizational and governance matters aimed at strengthening the institution. A major outcome of the meeting was the review and finalization of the INFOFISH Staff Regulations, an important milestone that will further enhance the organization's governance framework and operational effectiveness.
The 39th INFOFISH Technical and Advisory Board Meeting focused on reviewing the INFOFISH Progress Report covering the period from 1 May 2025 to 30 April 2026, highlighting the organization's continued transition and implementation of its strategic priorities amid an increasingly complex and evolving global operating environment.
Kiribati continues to benefit significantly from its active membership in INFOFISH. Through the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources, alongside fellow member countries including Fiji and Papua New Guinea, Kiribati has received valuable technical training and capacity-building opportunities in priority areas such as aquaculture development, tuna value chain and value addition.
One notable achievement arising from this regional cooperation was the successful collaboration with the Philippines, which enabled practical, hands-on Milkfish Deboning Training for officers from the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources and staff of Central Pacific Producers Limited (CPPL) in early March this year. The training has strengthened local technical expertise and contributes directly to the Government's efforts to promote value-added fisheries products and improve food security, employment opportunities, and economic returns from the fisheries sector.
The Ministry acknowledges INFOFISH for its continued technical assistance and unwavering support in strengthening the capacity of its member countries. Kiribati also expresses its sincere appreciation to all member states for their spirit of collaboration, knowledge sharing, and mutual support in advancing sustainable fisheries and aquaculture development throughout the region.
Kiribati remains committed to exploring further opportunities to enhance its technical capabilities through INFOFISH programmes, particularly in the areas of digital market intelligence, fisheries trade promotion, value chain development, aquaculture innovation, and knowledge transfer. The Ministry recognizes these areas are critical to unlocking greater economic opportunities from Kiribati's fisheries resources while supporting the sustainable management of the nation's vast ocean resources.