China's CFNA Delegation Visits Maldivian Fish Factories and Holds Key Discussions During Study Tour

A delegation from the China Chamber of Commerce of Import and Export of Foodstuffs, Native Produce and Animal By-Products (CFNA) has visited major fish factories in the Maldives and held important discussions with relevant ministries and institutions during a study tour.

The CFNA delegation's visit to the Maldives from the 14th to the 18th of this month was a study tour aimed at identifying opportunities to increase Maldivian fisheries and tuna exports under the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the Maldives and China. During the visit, the delegation met with representatives from the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade, Customs, the Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA), and the Maldives Seafood Processors and Exporters Association (MSPEA) to discuss ways to strengthen trade between the two countries. Additionally, the delegation paid a courtesy call on Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shiyam. During the meeting, the Minister expressed interest in collaborating in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors.

As part of the tour, the delegation visited major Maldivian fish factories, including MIFCO, Ensis Fisheries, Big Fish Factory, and the Maandhoo processing facility, to observe their operations. They also visited Maniyafushi, K. Gulhi, and sites in Hulhumale to experience how aquaculture activities are being carried out in the Maldives. The Economic Ministry stated that this experience would help the delegation understand the capacity to boost exports of Maldivian fisheries products.

The China Chamber of Commerce of Import and Export of Foodstuffs, Native Produce and Animal By-Products (CFNA) is a national industry association representing importers and exporters of food and agricultural products in China. The association's initiative to conduct this study in the Maldives is expected to help expand the Maldives' fisheries export base and utilize the China-Maldives FTA more effectively.