Deputy Governor Clifford Kolivos and New Ireland Development Corporation (NIDC) Technical Working Team, led by Gillis Silau met on Saturday, May 30th 2026 with Mr. Chris John Dotson, Deputy Managing Director for the National Fisheries Authority (NFA) and leader of the New Ireland Fish Cannery Project team, to begin on-site feasibility studies for proposed cannery location at Kaut.
The visit marks a rapid follow-up to planning talks held in Port Moresby last month and signals a push to fast-track the cannery project, intended to create employment and expand economic opportunity across New Ireland Province.
Chairman of NIDC, Mr. Chris Tarkap, welcomed Mr. Dotson to Kavieng and emphasized the urgency of progressing the project.
“This project is about jobs, skills and local ownership,” said Chairman Chris Tarkap. “A fish cannery in New Ireland will create employment for our people, give youths a pathway into the workforce, and strengthen the local economy. We are ready to move quickly and responsibly to get it started.”
Mr. Dotson with the NIDC technical team will conduct the feasibility work to assess site suitability, infrastructure needs, environmental impacts and workforce readiness and coordinate closely with provincial authorities, landowners and stakeholder groups to gather data and address concerns during the assessment phase.
Deputy Governor Hon. Clifford Kolivos noted the visit builds on recent development momentum in the province. “After last week’s successful signing of the Memorandum of Agreement and the launch of the Women Micro Bank at Sir Julius Chan Stadium, this is another step towards economic empowerment,” Kolivos said.
The NIDC technical team and NFA teams will complete technical surveys and community consultations over the coming weeks. Findings from the feasibility studies will inform a detailed project plan, cost estimates and timelines for construction and operation.
If approved, the New Ireland Fish Cannery could provide direct and indirect jobs in processing, logistics, maintenance and related services, while boosting demand for local fishers and small businesses.
Mr. Tarkap said under the Leadership of Governor Hon. Byron Chan, NIDC is tasked to create economic opportunities and position New Ireland as an economic frontier, empowering and encouraging New Ireland families and communities to participate in economic impact projects.