The Tahiti Pearl Consortium (TPC), a public-private partnership aimed at revitalizing the pearl industry, was officially established during a territorial assembly session with 28 votes in favor and 24 against. While approved, the decision has sparked significant reservations and questions among industry professionals and even within the political majority.
Marine Resources Minister Temauri Foster, a staunch TPC advocate, has struggled to build consensus. Skepticism persists about the initiative’s ability to revive a sector that has been in crisis for years. Opposition members and the collective “Hands Off My Pearl” openly express dissatisfaction, citing:
- Lack of prior consultation
- Rushed implementation
- Absence of concrete guarantees
- No solid business plan
Key Concerns:
✔ Influential producer Franck Tehaamatai demands greater private shareholder representation on the Board
✔ Critics highlight the project’s troubled history, including its December court rejection
✔ The collective remains firmly opposed, doubting French Polynesia’s pearl farming future
Next Steps:
The TPC is set to gradually replace the Maison de la Perle, with ambitious growth projections through 2018. However, the real challenge lies in attracting private investors to cover 15% of capital (90 million FCFP).
“This political decision ignores industry realities,” warned a collective spokesperson. With trust eroding, the TPC’s success hinges on addressing these concerns head-on.
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