Customs Kendari, in collaboration with the Southeast Sulawesi Animal, Fish, and Plant Quarantine Center, successfully launched the first export of 3,200 kilograms of live grouper fish from Wakatobi to the Hong Kong market. This inaugural export was conducted by PT Bintan Indo Sejahtera on Tuesday, October 15, 2024. Head of Customs Kendari, Tonny Riduan P. Simorangkir, stated that several types of grouper fish were included in this initial export, including tiger grouper, batik grouper, sunu grouper, and mixed grouper. "The 3,200 kilograms of live grouper fish were transported using MV CHEUNG KAM WING, CHEUNG LA, with a total export value reaching USD 19,200," he added.
Tonny expressed hope that this export will accelerate economic growth in Wakatobi and encourage local fishermen to enhance their efforts. "Customs Kendari, together with the Southeast Sulawesi Animal, Fish, and Plant Quarantine Center, will continue to support the fisheries sector in Southeast Sulawesi to compete in international markets. We hope this will improve the economic quality of both the local and national communities in the future," he concluded.
