New Zealand Trade and Enterprise granted the money through the Bay of Connections Regional Governance Group, chaired by Bay of Plenty Regional Councillor John Cronin, reports The Bay Of Plenty Times.
It is the second grant of its kind in two years - $360,000 was received in 2008.
Mr Cronin said the region received the new funds because the economic development agencies and Bay of Plenty Regional Council had delivered good results, and NZTE believed that the projects proposed for the next 12 to 18 months would "add real value".
"Over the long term, these projects will not just contribute to the local economy, but will be significant at a national level," he said.
"We could have the largest aquaculture farm in New Zealand. We could be one of the country's largest energy producers and exporters, and be a world-class producer of high-value forestry products."
The projects were agreed on by the Regional Governance Group and the economic development agencies.
The aquaculture project will establish a Regional Aquaculture Organisation and operating procedures, develop a region-wide profile of the emerging aquaculture industry, future infrastructure needs and industry directory, develop a preliminary business case for the Opotiki Harbour development and a communications plan.
Bay of Plenty Receives $390k Boost To Industry
NEW ZEALAND - The Bay of Plenty economy has received a $390,000 boost from the Government for projects in the forestry, aquaculture, energy and supply chain industries.
