15 Dec 2008

Niue wants fish processor to produce higher value product

2:38 pm on 15 December 2008

The Premier of Niue, Toke Talagi, says value added product has to be a key part of any re-opening of the island's mothballed fish plant.

The operator, New Zealand based Reef Shipping, shut the plant's doors a year ago, but Mr Talagi says the lower cost of fuel and the lower dollar have raised the prospects of a re-opening next year.

He says relaunching the plant will cost more than half a million US dollars and this has to include a review of the prospects of adding value and increasing returns.

"We have been discussing with New Zealand since May of last year, for this to occur, as we understand it from Reef, but unfortunately this hasn't happened and the review has been left in abeyance. Now, we are hoping to resume discussions now with the new Government and to determine whether they will agree to that or not."

The Premier of Niue, Toke Talagi.