The Marine Resources Commission of Polynesia’s Assembly approved (7 votes in favor, 2 against) a deliberation proposal to terminate the Tahiti Pearl Consortium (TPC) this Friday. The measure will soon proceed to a plenary vote.
About the TPC:
- Established under former President Temaru’s administration
- Designed as a public-private partnership (SEM) to market Tahitian pearls
- Developed with input from Italian jewelry expert Gaetano Caballieri
- Faced immediate industry opposition to direct state involvement in commercial activities
- Failed to secure the required 15% private investment
New Government Approach:
Marine Resources Minister Tearii Alpha announced a policy shift:
- Redefined government role: Focus on regulation and quality control while leaving commercialization to private sector
- Continued state involvement: Limited to trade negotiations (e.g., tariff discussions with China) for new market access
- Pearl Council creation: New ministerial-level advisory body with industry representatives (first meeting expected within 15 days)
- Long-term goal: Enhance production quality to boost prices for this key economic sector
Maison de la Perle Update:
No closure decision has been made. Current evaluations include:
- Budgetary assessment
- Mission redefinition
- Plans for deeper private sector collaboration in development strategies
“Our priority is supporting quality improvements that will strengthen the entire value chain,” Minister Alpha stated, signaling a more collaborative approach following the TPC’s controversial tenure.
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