Following the official signing ceremony and launch of the Marina Infrastructure Project in 2025, the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources (MFOR) welcomed a mission team from China Ocean Engineering Survey and Design Co. Ltd (COESD) to Kiribati from May 6-14, 2026 to commence work on the feasibility study for the proposed marina infrastructure at the Ananau Causeway. COESD is one of China’s companies specialized in the survey, design, and construction of ports and other infrastructure projects who was awarded the tender to conduct this study. The team was led by their General manager, Mr Wang Yuanhong and his three team members, Mr Zhao Changpend, Ms Yu Ganyu and Mr Li Jiahao. During the one-week mission, the COESD team met with some government ministries including the Tourism office and KPA to discuss the proposed development and collect information relevant to the study. On the final day of the mission, the COESD team met with MFOR Hon. Minister, Ribanataake Tiwau, and MFOR staff to present the project concept proposal, share the outcomes of their consultation, and discuss the next steps. HM Tiwau highlighted MFOR’s anticipation for the successful completion of the feasibility study, which is expected by October 2026, and strongly emphasized that this project will bring economic benefits and opportunities in future. This initiative stems from bilateral discussions between the Government of Kiribati, through MFOR, and Korea fishing companies through Korea Overseas Fisheries Association (KOFA), which aims to support a small-scale marina infrastructure investment project for fishing communities in Kiribati. The feasibility study for this marina infrastructure was financially supported by the KOFA.