A delegation from the China Chamber of Commerce of Foodstuffs and Native Produce (CFNA) visited the Maldives to explore opportunities for expanding the export of Maldivian marine products to China under the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the two countries.

The visit, which took place from April 13 to April 18, aimed to strengthen trade ties and support the growth of the local fisheries sector by facilitating access to the Chinese market. The delegation, representing the Chinese Food Related Traders’ Association, is conducting a research tour to assess the quality and operational standards of the Maldives’ fisheries industry.

As part of their visit, the delegation  engaged with key stakeholders across the fisheries sector, including industry companies and Government officials. The team evaluated how local operations  manage and determine the export potential of Maldivian fish products. Meetings were held with officials from the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade, the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources, as well as senior representatives from the Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company (MIFCO).

Minister for Economic Development and Trade Mohamed Saeed highlighted the significance of the visit, stating that it supports the Government's ongoing efforts to utilise the benefits of the FTA for marine product exports. According to the minister, the discussions during the visit have centred on the capacity of the Maldivian industry to supply fish products to the Chinese market.

In addition to the high-level meetings, the Chinese delegation visited a number of fisheries-related manufacturing facilities across the Maldives. These included inspections of the facilities that produce and export sea cucumbers and yellow fin tuna, Maandhoo Fisheries Complex, Himmafushi Fish Factory, and Maniyafushi, where the team reviewed current production processes and operations. 

The FTA between China and the Maldives officially came into effect on January 1 this year. A key focus of the agreement is to increase the export of Maldivian marine products to China and further develop the local fishing industry.