Unfolding the Development Process of JTF 7 Projects to Address Fisheries and Aquaculture Issues in the Southeast Asian Region

Abstract

As the Deputy Secretary-General of SEAFDEC and Japanese Trust Fund (JTF) Manager, I had the responsibility of leading the project planning under the JTF Phase 7 (JTF 7) from June 2022 to May 2025. The JTF 7 projects, scheduled for implementation between 2025 and 2029, were approved during the 46th Meeting of the SEAFDEC Program Committee (PCM) in 2023 and endorsed by the SEAFDEC Council during its 56th meeting in 2024. In this article, I am sharing my experiences and involvement in developing these projects. The process was quite challenging, and I felt anxious about the implementation due to various difficulties, including budgetary constraints. However, my worries turned out to be unfounded, and I am truly delighted to see each JTF 7 project proceeding well, as reflected in the progress highlighted on SEAFDEC publications, websites and social media posts. I extend my sincere thanks to the dedicated SEAFDEC staff who collaborated on these plans with me, as well as to our many partners, friends and colleagues across the SEAFDEC Member Countries. It is my hope that this article serves as an encouragement to all concerned SEAFDEC staff who continue to work diligently to implement these projects.