Development of the Philippine tuna industry

Abstract

The major purpose of the case study is to describe and analyze the importance of the tuna industry in the Philippines. Particular attention shall be focused on, but not limited to, the following six themes. Where applicable these themes shall be discussed in relation to their effect on, and implications for, tuna operations in the Pacific islands region. 1. Industry Overview. This section shall describe tuna operations in the Philippines and establish the importance of the industry in regard to its role in the international tuna industry -- 2. Government Policy. This section shall address government policy in the fishing industry generally and in the tuna industry in particular; government interests in the tuna industry; incentives for domestic and foreign investors; the extent of foreign investment in the industry. Particular attention shall be focused on any changes in government policies and investment incentives that were made to facilitate and promote tuna industry operations. -- 3. Major Tuna Operators. This section shall identify the major tuna operators in the Philippine tuna industry; examine the nature and extent of their relationship with overseas operators in the international tuna industry; assess their contribution to national development. Emphasis shall be placed on the relationships with overseas operators active in the tuna industry in the Asia and Pacific regions. -- 4. International Trade. This section shall review the volume and value of international trade in tuna commodities to and from the Philippines since 1975; establish the importance of tuna trade from the Philippines with regard to its role in the international tuna industry; identify the Philippines' major trading partners and the pattern of trade for both the import and export of tuna commodities; examine the contribution of international tuna trade to the national economy -- 5. Development Problems. This section shall focus on identifying and analyzing the internal and external factors which have accelerated and/or impeded the development of the tuna industry in the Philippines -- 6. Development Potentials. This section shall review the findings of the case study and assess the development potential of the Philippine tuna industry.