Maldives and China Strengthen Strategic Blue Economy Ties with Green Fisheries Seminar in Wuxi
Participants of the The Seminar on Green Fisheries Development and Management for the Maldives/ Photo: Ministry
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Keyolha Desk
In a significant move to deepen diplomatic and economic relations, a 24-member delegation from the Maldives has commenced a comprehensive three-week training program focused on sustainable marine practices. The Seminar on Green Fisheries Development and Management for the Maldives, officially organized by the Government of the People’s Republic of China, is taking place in Wuxi City from September 8 to 28, 2026.
Delivering the opening remarks at the seminar, Mr. Asum Moosa Jaleel from the Ministry underscored the critical nature of the program for the island nation’s economic lifeline. He highlighted that the seminar serves as a vital platform for:
Sustainable Fisheries Development: Introducing low-carbon and eco-friendly technologies to protect marine ecosystems.
Knowledge Exchange: Sharing technical expertise in advanced aquaculture, modern catching techniques, and fish processing.
Bilateral Cooperation: Enhancing the long-standing strategic partnership between Malé and Beijing to advance the blue economy.
Deepening Diplomatic and Economic Channels
This seminar is not an isolated event; it represents the latest milestone in a rapidly growing diplomatic synergy between the two nations regarding maritime infrastructure and trade. Over the last two years, following President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's state visit to Beijing, bilateral ties have transformed into a robust framework for environmental and low-carbon development.
The collaborative efforts between China and the Maldives in this sector focus on several key pillars:
Infrastructure Growth: Earlier this year, MIFCO signed a milestone agreement with the China Machinery Engineering Corporation (CMEC) to scale up cold storage capacities and fisheries infrastructure across the archipelago.
Trade Expansion via FTA: The Maldives is currently fast-tracking discussions to expand its premium tuna exports directly to Hainan, China. This effort leverages the newly energized China-Maldives Free Trade Agreement (FTA) to diversify market access.
Scientific Mariculture: Research partnerships, such as previous pacts between the Maldives Marine Research Institute and China’s Fujian Fisheries Research Institute, are actively laying the groundwork for environmentally friendly fish farming (mariculture).
Why Green Fisheries Matter
For the Maldives, standard commercial fishing is shifting toward "green" solutions. Traditional pole-and-line methods already make Maldivian tuna some of the most sustainable in the world. However, integrating China's advanced green management systems will help reduce post-harvest losses, introduce eco-friendly energy to fishing vessels, and build high-tech hatcheries.
As the seminar unfolds in Wuxi City over the coming weeks, both nations are setting a clear blueprint for how diplomatic goodwill can translate into tangible, sustainable economic growth for the global fisheries industry.
