Philippines is expected to start a cold chain project in Bislig City, known for its tuna fishing activities. Authorities at the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rural Development Program (DA-PRDP) stated that the upcoming PHP 242 million (USD 4.2 million) project would be developed for small-scale fishers in the tuna-rich grounds of the Filipino province Surigao del Sur (where Bislig is located).

A spokesperson for the agency said the new facilities, where tuna can be stored, will offer fisherfolk opportunities to preserve the quality of their catch. “It will also help to diversify their product offerings, address critical gaps in input supply and fish processing in the region,” he told the Philippine News Agency. The tuna caught in this region usually goes for local consumption, and some are likely to be headed to small canneries.

Maldives’ Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shiyam announced on X (formerly Twitter) that the island nation will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Saudi Arabia “to enhance the fisheries industry and explore opportunities for fish export, technology, and knowledge transfer.” Shiyam did not give further details of the content of the MoU for the largest producer of pole-and-line skipjack, or when it would be inked.

Shiyam’s post read that the new deal “will pave the way for the export of Maldivian tuna products to Saudi Arabia, an emerging market for sustainable seafood.” The Middle East country is one of the largest growing markets for canned tuna. Saudi Arabia expanded its business for private-label items in the first half of this year. The Maldivian government expects that the deal, besides an increase in exports, will also attract major investments in the fishing industry. This could help support the island nation’s economic growth and sustainability.

Indonesia exported its first cargo of canned tuna products to Canada earlier this week. Java-based fishing company PT Pasifik Masami Indonesia will send consignments valued at USD 10 million over the next six months, but the tonnages were not revealed. Its spokesperson told news sites that PT Pasifik Masami, which is located in Banyuwangi, can produce up to 70 tons of canned tuna and precooked loins daily. The company exports to various international markets such as the EU, Asia, and the Middle East.

Indonesia’s Fisheries Minister Sakti Wahyu Trenggono stated that the country has strengthened measures to improve its fisheries sector to ensure that the domestic and international standards are met. He claimed that other Indonesian regions, apart from Java where PT Pasifik Masami is located, are also capable of processing tuna for global exports.