Written by MFOR Media on 05 December 2025.
The new Korea ODA Office at the KPF Complex, Bairiki, Tarawa was today, 19 November 2025, officially unveiled and opened by Mr Kim Myong-jun, Charge d Affaires for the Embassy of Korea in Fiji, Mr Kim Sung-Kyung, Director General for Korea Rural Community Corporation (KRC) of the Ministry of Ocean and Fisheries (MOF), Korea and Mr Riibeta Abeta, Secretary of the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources, Kiribati. This new office space will house our Korean counterparts from MOF ODA and the KRC who will be based in Tarawa, Kiribati, to undertake the implementation of the South Korean funded Fisheries Community Development Initiative for Sustainable Fishing in Kiribati. This is the first major South Korea’s flagship development project in Kiribati of around US$12.2 million, and will cover the upgrading of the Bairiki Wharf, the establishment of a new Fishermen Training Centre in Tanaea and a capacity building program. With the launch of this new Korea ODA Office, work will now begin, and all infrastructures are expected to be completed by 2029. The Government of Kiribati, through Secretary Riibeta of the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources (MFOR) congratulated the partners for this milestone and conveyed Kiribati’s sincere appreciation to the people and Government of Korea for their generous assistance with supporting these major development projects in Kiribati.
The European Union Inspection Mission visited Tarawa from 11 to 14 November 2025 to assess progress toward the 2025 Matrix targets, activities supported under EU Fisheries Sector Support Programme. The mission aimed to provide guidance to ensure adherence to protocol guidelines throughout the implementation of various initiatives. Upon arrival, MFOR hosted a gracious welcome dinner reception at the MFOR Maneaba, a pivotal project supported by the programme in 2024-2025. In her welcoming remarks, MFOR Officer in Charge/Deputy Secretary Teue Baikarawa expressed heartfelt appreciation to the European Union for its continuous support under the Fisheries Partnership Agreement (SFA) – Sector Support component. This assistance plays a crucial role in bolstering MFOR's efforts to implement initiatives that significantly enhance the livelihoods of local communities. Under the current fisheries protocol, MFOR remains steadfastly committed to cultivating a robust long-term partnership. The mission also works with the EU project team and conducts tours of various project sites, including Fish Vending Units, the Tanobakoa Coastal Clean-Up Site, MFOR Maneaba, and the Maiana Mini-Hatchery. With over 3,000 clams cultivated at the Maiana Hatchery, the EU representative encouraged MFOR to ensure streamlined access to international markets so that the project can yield substantial benefits for the island residents.
The Hon Minister Harry Tekaiti officially opened the Teriaki Canoe Paddling Tournament for 2025, on the Saturday, 15th November 2025 at the lagoon side of Betio beach. In his opening remarks, Hon Minister Harry highlighted that Teriaki Canoe Paddling Tournament is not just about racing, it is an opportunity to celebrate the values of our culture, the richness of resources from the sea and how we connect with each other through the ocean. During this year’s tournament, more than 15 teams from Government Ministries, State Owned Enterprises, Diplomatic Missions and other Organizations were registered and compete in the male, female and mixed category during this one-day tournament. This year’s tournament is the third successful event and has attracted more teams, audience and interests when compared with previous tournaments held in 2023 and 2024. It was a day full of fun, joy and camaraderie shared amongst the teams and their families. This year’s Teriaki 2025 winners and champions were MFOR for men category, MTCIC for female category and the Australian High Commission for the mixed category. The MFOR as the host for Teriaki Tournament, acknowledged the participation teams, organizing committee members and the donors, EU and MFAT and DFAT for their support and collective contributions to making this year’s Teriaki tournament another great success and memorable one.
Page 4 of 63