The Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources, Ahmed Shiyam, concludes an official visit to China later Thursday, aimed at significantly elevating the Maldives' fisheries industry through enhanced cooperation and the adoption of advanced technologies, the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources has said.
During the visit, which commenced on 6 September, Minister Shiyam notably signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Maldives Marine Research Institute (MMRI) and China's Fujian Fisheries Institute.
This agreement focuses on crucial areas including advanced aquaculture research, a joint initiative to explore innovative and environmentally friendly technologies for aquaculture development.
The MoU also includes research related to the marine environment and the sustainable management of marine resources, highlighting both nations' commitment to marine conservation.
The Ministry highlighted the MoU as a vital step towards developing a sustainable aquaculture sector in the Maldives, emphasising its role in strengthening scientific and technical cooperation and promoting the sustainable utilisation of marine life.
Minister Shiyam's itinerary also included visits to key Chinese facilities.
The visit to Mawei Ecological Products Trading Centre focused on understanding the operational systems of China's largest fisheries products trading center, a significant hub connecting fishermen, suppliers, and traders. The objective was to glean insights to strengthen the Maldives' seafood trade and the burgeoning aquaculture sector.
In Fuzhou City, Minister Shiyam inspected the facilities of the Hoardsun Group, known for its innovations in semiconductors, satellite communications, new materials, and digital applications. Discussions centered on how Hoardsun's expertise could contribute to the growth of the Maldivian technology industry, particularly in integrating artificial intelligence and digital tools into fisheries and marine resource management.
The Minister also met with officials from Hongdong Fisheries, a global company with significant investments in fisheries and mariculture. Discussions focused on potential investments and future cooperation, with the company already working closely with the Ministry to promote mariculture in the Maldives for economic benefit. This meeting specifically addressed the challenges and opportunities within the fisheries and mariculture sectors in the Maldives.
The Ministry stated that the insights gained from visiting centers like the Mawei Aquatic Products Trading Centre will be crucial for developing and strengthening the seafood trade in the Maldives, especially given the current expansion of the aquaculture sector.
Such collaborations are also expected to offer opportunities for the Maldives to learn about food safety, market access, and international business practices.