French Polynesia's Minister of the Blue Economy, Teva Rohfritsch, met Thursday with representatives of the Tahitian Pearl Association of French Polynesia (TPAFP), chaired by Aline Baldassari-Bernard, to assess the sector's current state and explore new development strategies.

Key Discussion Points

✔ Sector Assessment: Evaluating challenges and opportunities in pearl farming

✔ Regulatory Reform: Aligning on a proposed territorial pearl products law

✔ Sustainability Focus: Implementing stricter production controls to protect lagoon resources

TPAFP's Strategic Role

Since its creation in May 2014, the TPAFP has:

• United 4 Economic Interest Groups (GIEs)
• Represented pearl farmers' and traders' unions
• Advised authorities on market organization
• Advocated for professional accountability across the supply chain

Government Commitments

Teva Rohfritsch pledged to:

• Finalize new regulations by year-end
• Develop an action plan to revive this economic pillar
• Continue inclusive dialogue with all stakeholders

\"This collaboration ensures our pearls remain synonymous with quality and sustainability,\" Baldassari-Bernard stated. The minister emphasized that the reforms aim to balance economic viability with ecological preservation—critical for an industry generating 85% of non-tourism exports.

Next Steps: Draft legislation will undergo sector-wide consultations before adoption.

(Context: Tahitian pearl exports fell 42% in early 2024, heightening urgency for structural reforms.)