The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources, hosted a workshop on to promote the blue economy in the Maldives’ fisheries sector.

Held at Meerumaa, the workshop focused on empowering atoll communities and advancing sustainable fishing practices. The event was attended by Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shiyam, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary Dr Aminath Shafia, and Japan’s Ambassador to the Maldives, Ishigami Rumiko.

In his opening remarks, Minister Shiyam noted that the initiative stems from an ongoing partnership with JICA that began in 2014. He highlighted past efforts, including training opportunities in Japan where Maldivian fishers learned advanced Japanese techniques.

Ambassador Ishigami emphasised the strong bilateral ties between Japan and the Maldives and reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to deepening cooperation in the years ahead.

The workshop is part of a long-term strategy to enhance sustainable fisheries through international knowledge exchange and innovation.