Govt Seeks Deeper Singapore Ties to Spur Fisheries Growth, Minister Shiyam Says
The government is advancing efforts to deepen engagement with Singapore’s public institutions and private sector to accelerate growth across its fisheries and mariculture industries, which are key pillars of the national economy, Ahmed Shiyam, Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources, said. The strategy was detailed by the minister in an interview with PSM News following the Maldives-Singapore Business Forum held in Singapore.
Minister Shiyam stated that detailed project information had been shared with potential Singaporean stakeholders, identifying wide-ranging opportunities for investment. Of particular focus is mariculture, which Minister Shiyam said has been designated as a national priority by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu. These proposals, according to the minister, are routinely placed on the agenda at high-level discussions, including forums chaired by the president.
During an official visit to Singapore, President Muizzu met with the country’s president and prime minister, where he presented his outlook for expanding the Maldives’ fisheries sector. Minister Shiyam affirmed that the president remains confident in the capacity for bilateral cooperation in advancing the industry.
"I met with Singapore's Minister for Sustainability and shared information regarding those initiatives," Minister Shiyam stated. "I provided details on the president’s plans for developing the fisheries industry. The government of Singapore likewise believes there is scope for collaboration with the Maldives’ fisheries sector. Following the visit to Singapore, I intend to advance this work further."
Although Singapore is not widely recognised as a major fishing nation, Minister Shiyam highlighted its reliance on seafood imports and the emerging commercial interest in both traditional fisheries and mariculture. He observed that President Muizzu has opened up investment opportunities in mariculture across several regions of the Maldives, and confirmed that these were conveyed to prospective Singaporean investors.
Minister Shiyam also introduced plans for designated zones dedicated to sports fishing harbours, an initiative designed to broaden the Maldives’ tourism portfolio while integrating recreational activities more directly with the fisheries sector.
The minister reiterated that the country’s vision for sectoral advancement will be pursued through collaborative efforts with both government and private sector partners in Singapore. He noted that Singapore currently imports Maldivian tuna and sea cucumbers, and noted the intention to expand this trade. Joint initiatives, he added, will be structured to yield direct benefits for Maldivian fishing communities.