StarKist President and CEO Mr. Andrew Choe arrived in the territory last night with officials from company headquarters in Pittsburgh on a four day visit.
A statement from the company said that Mr. Choe is here to visit the local plant and hold meetings with government and private sector officials.
His visit comes as the cannery is just returning to a normal production schedule after two weeks of reduced operations which the company has put down to lack of fish.
The fish supply problem is said to be a consequence of the US tuna boats not being able to access, for a few months, fishing grounds in nearby Pacific island countries who are part of the US South Pacific Tuna Treaty.
Another hurdle is the ban on fishing on high seas pockets in the Central and Western Pacific Ocean, a ban for which American Samoa is seeking a waiver from the US National Marine Fisheries Service.
It’s expected that Mr. Choe’s discussions with the governor will center on the company’s wish list on assistance to help it remain competitive.
