The latest information on pearl farming in Tahiti

These sessions, offered in French Polynesia as well as internationally, aim to deepen participants’ knowledge of pearls worldwide — with a special focus on the Tahitian cultured pearl — and to teach sales techniques for these unique gems.

The goal of these seminars is to enhance salespeople’s understanding of the Tahitian cultured pearl within its historical and competitive context, both in the local and international markets. By refining their sales pitch and developing tailored selling techniques, these professionals will be better equipped to spark customer interest, thereby encouraging the purchase of Tahitian pearl jewelry. Participants thus become true ambassadors of the pearl, offering targeted customer service and valuable advice on the use and care of these gems.

At the request of the GSMA (Adapted Military Service Group), the Maison de la Perle organized a seminar from April 22 to 25, 2013, as part of the “tourism track” training program. Nine GSMA trainees attended these sessions to improve their knowledge of Tahitian cultured pearls and refine their sales techniques in preparation for their future careers. The program covered a wide range of topics, from the history of pearls to pearl farming, including regulatory classification and sales methods.

This initiative seeks to train skilled and passionate professionals who will play a key role in promoting Tahitian pearls, thereby helping to strengthen the reputation and appeal of this Polynesian treasure in the global market.

The main challenge lies in attracting private shareholders, whose participation of 15% of the capital — a total contribution of 90 million XPF — is essential for the creation of this entity intended to organize the pearl sector.

As of now, the situation remains unchanged, leaving the TPC in a phase of uncertainty. Although the SEM is still in the process of being established, the public administrators designated to sit on its board have already been appointed. By ministerial council decree on April 10, 2013, Ministers Antony Geros, Temaurii Foster, and Daniel Herlemme, along with Assembly representative Victor Maamaatuaiahutapu, were named members of the TPC board of directors. According to the Ministry of Marine Resources, this is considered a “normal process.”

The responsibility for advancing the creation of this semi-public company will fall to the next government of French Polynesia, which will need to resolve the current difficulties in attracting private shareholders — or decide the future of the project altogether.

While the fate of this SEM remains uncertain, a crucial decision regarding its future is expected by the end of the week, and the Syndicate of Professional Pearl Producers (SPPP) is preparing to file a case with the administrative court.

Could the TPC remain an unfinished project? Currently, the SEM holds 85% of its capital, financed by the government, but it is facing difficulties in raising the remaining 15%, largely due to the inability of pearl producers to gather the necessary funds. Initially, these private partners were expected to contribute at least 45 million XPF (half of their total share), but that sum has yet to be collected. Divergences between the intentions of industry players and their concrete actions are delaying the project, with a decision from the Minister of Marine Resources expected this week.

The TPC failed to achieve consensus among pearl professionals even before its approval, which passed the Assembly of French Polynesia by a narrow majority (28 votes in favor, 24 against). The creation of this SEM raised numerous concerns, especially in a context where public entities are under pressure to cut costs. Moreover, the complex business model of the TPC — covering all stages of pearl farming — did not convince professionals, including some who initially supported the idea. Although letters of intent were signed following tense meetings in February and March, formalizing the financial participation before a notary has proven problematic, further delaying the establishment of the SEM.

The current situation does not surprise the SPPP, which claims that small and medium-sized producers, despite signing letters of intent, do not have the financial capacity to contribute the 90 million XPF required. A major producer, Franck Tehaamatai — who was willing to invest a significant share — is currently incarcerated for reasons unrelated to his commitment to the TPC. In light of these obstacles, the SPPP, a staunch opponent of the project, is preparing to take legal action to challenge the creation of the SEM.

Aline Baldassari-Bernard, vice president of the SPPP, stated that pearl producers simply do not have the financial means to support the TPC. She stressed that long-established producers view this SEM as unfair competition, arguing that the existing pearl farming structures have been operating for over 30 years. According to them, the TPC will likely never see the light of day — whether due to lack of funding or as a result of legal action.