South Korean firm eyes tuna from RP

South Korean firm Wooriranch Co. Ltd. is looking at importing at least 200 metric tons (MT) of sashimi-grade tuna a month from the Philippines. Wooriranch Co. Ltd signed a deal with local producer Luenthai Fishing Ventures and the small-scale fisherfolk group Pambansang Alyansa ng mga Mangingisda at Pamunuan ng Organisasyon (Pampano), as well as the Philippine Agricultural Development and Commercial Corp. (PADCC). The PADCC is the corporate arm of the Agriculture department. "Initially, Wooriranch Co. Ltd will import 200 metric tons of sashimi-grade tuna for a month. It is looking at sourcing tuna from local companies and fishers' groups for one year," PADCC President Marriz Agbon said. Agbon said the initial volume would be split between Luenthai Fishing Ventures and Pampano. The monthly shipments of sashimi-grade tuna are worth $1 million. Sashimi-grade tuna costs about $5 per kilo. The deal was signed during the closing ceremonies of a business-environment summit in Makati on Wednesday. — GMANews.TV