At the 36th Session of the FAO Committee on Fisheries (COFI), Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources Ahmed Shiyam delivered a compelling speech urging global leaders to collaborate in eliminating trade barriers such as import tariffs, which disproportionately impact small island developing states like the Maldives.
In his address, Minister Shiyam highlighted the Maldives’ commitment to sustainable fishing practices and outlined ambitious plans to integrate renewable energy into the nation’s fisheries industry. “We aim to make our fishery greener by investing in renewable energy. Under President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s vision, we aim to source at least 35% of the energy used in our fisheries industry from renewable sources within the next four years,” he stated.
The Minister also emphasised the need for a collective effort to dismantle trade barriers that hinder the economic progress of vulnerable countries. “We need a collective effort to remove trade barriers, particularly for fragile and vulnerable countries, such as Small Island Developing States like the Maldives. Given the conditions that are imposed on us, we are forced to sell raw materials to the global market for them to process. Under the guidance of President Dr Muizzu, we want to change this situation,” Shiyam declared.
Providing further context, Minister Shiyam noted the significant role of the fisheries sector in the Maldivian economy. “About 11% of the country’s labour force is employed in the fisheries sector, contributing almost 6% of the country’s annual GDP. We are also one of the highest fish-consuming communities in the world,” he explained.
On the sidelines of #COFI36, Minister Shiyam met with the Deputy Director-General of FAO, Maria Helena Semedo. During this meeting, he briefed her on President Muizzu’s vision for developing fisheries and mariculture in the Maldives. The discussions also focused on increasing the portfolio of FAO in the Maldives and addressing capacity needs in the mariculture and fisheries sectors. Additionally, Minister Shiyam explored ways for FAO to become more involved in empowering women within the fisheries sector.
The 36th Session of the FAO Committee on Fisheries, held in Rome, brought together representatives from FAO member countries, international organisations, and non-governmental entities to discuss global fisheries and aquaculture issues. The Committee on Fisheries, established in 1965, is the only global intergovernmental forum where major international fisheries and aquaculture problems and issues are examined, and recommendations are addressed to governments, regional fishery bodies, NGOs, fish workers, and the international community.
Minister Shiyam’s speech resonated with the audience, drawing attention to the unique challenges faced by small island developing states and the urgent need for international cooperation to ensure their economic sustainability and resilience.
As the FAO Committee on Fisheries continues its deliberations, the Maldivian delegation’s call for the removal of trade barriers underscores the critical importance of supporting small island developing states in their quest for sustainable development. The outcomes of the 36th Session of COFI could pave the way for significant policy changes that benefit vulnerable economies globally.
