Keeping Hao atoll green a priority says Chinese firm

6:57 am on 31 May 2018

The Chinese company planning a huge aquaculture farm in French Polynesia says its priority is to protect the environment at its site on Hao atoll.

French Polynesian president Edouard Fritch visits Hao atoll to view progress on the aquaculture project being built by the Chinese company Tahiti Nui Ocean Foods

French Polynesian president Edouard Fritch visits Hao atoll to view progress on the aquaculture project being built by the Chinese company Tahiti Nui Ocean Foods in 2017 Photo: supplied

The head of Tahiti Nui Ocean Foods, Wang Cheng, is in Tahiti for further talks with the government and the French High Commissioner.

Preparatory work has been done by the French Polynesian government to get Hao ready for the construction of the enclosures and processing facilities.

Mr Wang has confirmed that priority will be given to hiring French Polynesians once the project is launched.

The first catch for export is expected in 2021.

The project's viability has been questioned by the opposition which says it makes no sense environmentally or economically.