Moscow-Russia, the new market place for the National Aquaculture Center (NAC), Kosrae, FSM.

FSMR&D (February 20, 2014): After years of operating as a private business, the National Aquaculture Center in Kosrae has now reached a new market place, Moscow-Russia. On February 14, 2014, Martin Selch, the Manager of NAC has confirmed that a shipment of NAC's cultured giant clams (Tridacna maxima) commenced its first export to a "New Market Place Russia-Moscow". The shipment was carried by United Airlines via Honolulu to LAX then Zurich (Switzerland) to final destination Moscow, Russia. It was anticipated that the shipment would reach Moscow on the 17^th of February after 50 hours of travel. Commenting on this achievement, NAC General Manager indicated that despite transportation constraints, which have  partly been addressed with concerted dialogue and efforts involving Kosrae State Government, the FSM National Government and United Airlines,  Mr. Selch believes that more is still to come. This is because Kosrae is one of the few places with most diversified ornamental fish species in the World; and NAC now has the technical expertise and know how to meet the challenge of shipping live animal, which will arrive in high quality, in any place in the World.

 

The New Market place broadens and diversifies the number of countries that NAC is now able to export to. In effect, despite the transportation issue, NAC has been very successful in exporting on a consistent basis to several countries, namely, the United States, European Union, the United Kingdom, and most recently,  Russia.

 

NAC’s exports to major markets have contributed a lot in promoting and marketing not just ornamental fish from Kosrae in those places but more importantly, in exposing and making the FSM known to the rest of the World. Secretary Marion Henry,  FSM Department of Resources and Development, commended Martin and his staff for their persistent effort, adding that the “Sleeping Lady will now be known in Russia”; while Senator Peter Christian, former Secretary of the FSM Department of R&D, added, “through its exports, Martin is one of the 'Ambassadors of this Great Nation'".

 

NAC’s success story shows that the private sector, in particular the productive sector in the FSM, can achieve a lot through professionalism and dedication. It is also an indication that as the FSM prepares for 2023, the termination year for economic assistance from the United States under the amended Compact, enhanced Public-Private Dialogue  stands as a key strategy to spur economic development throughout the Nation.

 

For more information, please contact FSM Department of Resources and Development at telephone number 320-5133 or emial fsmpio@mail.fm.