This marks the first investment by Thai Union and its two partners Century Pacific and Frabelle Fishing from the
PNG Prime Minister, Peter O'Neill, says the opening of the Majestic Seafoods plant could create close to 7,000 jobs.
Mr. O’Neill says his government wants to see all fish processed on shore to create jobs and economic benefits for Papua New Guineans.
National Fisheries Authority managing director, Sylvester Pokajam, says PNG’s tuna industry has the potential to become a big player on the global stage.
“We can be number one in the world,” Mr. Pokajam said. “
Better access
Martin Dihm, European Ambassador to PNG, says PNG’s other big advantage in its bid to bring tuna processing onshore is the fact it has better access to Europe than Asian countries, through its Economic Partnership Agreement.
“That allows full free duty free access of all Papua New Guinean goods to the European market,” Mr. Dihm said.
Maintaining standards
Mr. Dihm says the Majestic Seafoods plant will need to maintain environmental and other standards.
“What we have to consider, of course, is we look ... very closely at stock conservation issues and at any labor issues and social issues,” he said.
“We have a regular committee... that is foreseen by the trade agreement where we discuss all these issues together.”
Abundant workforce
Mr. Pokajam says companies won’t have trouble finding workers. “That is why most investment is going into Lae because that is where the workforce is in abundance,” he said.
“The beauty of it is that most of the workforce are females, about 90% are female.” However, Mr. Pokajam thinks the job targets will not be easy to achieve.
“Last year or the year before that I said 5 years but it is going to be more than 5 years,” he said. “I would say 10 years.”
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Alongside the development of high-tech shrimp farming, Ha Tinh Province is accelerating the cultivation of high-value freshwater aquatic species, with red tilapia emerging as an effective and sustainable farming model.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tuna exports reached USD 81 million in April 2026, down 6% compared to the same period in 2025. In the first four months of the year, export turnover totaled USD 289 million, down 4.8%. Although the overall export picture has yet to brighten significantly, market trends are becoming increasingly diversified rather than moving in a single direction.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s pangasius industry is undergoing strong restructuring starting from the broodstock and fingerling segment in order to improve productivity, quality, and export competitiveness. This is considered a critical foundation for the sustainable development of the industry amid rising production costs and increasingly stringent market requirements.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) According to Vietnam Customs data, pangasius exports in April 2026 reached USD 206 million, up 18% compared to the same period in 2025 — marking another consecutive month of double-digit growth since the beginning of the year. Cumulative pangasius export turnover in the first four months of 2026 reached USD 720 million, up 17% year-on-year, reflecting the positive growth momentum of this key export product.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s shrimp exports in the first four months of 2026 maintained positive growth momentum, reaching approximately USD 1.5 billion, up 15% compared to the same period last year. However, behind this result lies diverging trends across markets, as the global shrimp industry continues to face pressure from inflation, high inventories, price competition, and increasing trade risks.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In Vinh Tuy commune (Kien Giang Province), many shrimp farmers are adopting bottom aeration systems and reporting clear economic benefits, helping increase income and reduce production risks.
(vasep.com.vn) In the first three months of 2026, Vietnam’s exports of crabs and other crustaceans reached more than USD 93 million, up 23% compared to the same period last year. The result shows that the sector is experiencing a fairly positive recovery, especially in its two key product groups: crabs and swimming crabs. However, behind the growth figures are several concerns: export markets remain highly concentrated, raw material supply is unstable, and trade barriers from the US and EU are becoming increasingly stringent.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In Ca Mau province, many farmers are transitioning from traditional methods to high-tech shrimp farming, adopting recirculating systems with minimal water exchange to improve efficiency and reduce risks. In Hung My commune alone, there are about 260 super-intensive shrimp farming households covering more than 265 hectares, playing a key role in local economic development.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first three months of 2026, Vietnam’s exports of fish cake and surimi reached USD 63 million, down 5% compared to the same period last year. Although total export value declined slightly due to decreases in some key markets, many other destinations continued to post strong growth, opening up room for this convenience-oriented processed segment in the coming quarters.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Favorable weather conditions in the early months of 2026 have brought encouraging signs for fisheries activities in Quang Tri. Output has grown steadily, contributing to improved livelihoods for local residents.
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