Maldives and China Expand Fisheries Cooperation Through Technical Training
- Hainan University specialists are leading a two-day Technical Training Programme on Fisheries and Blue Economy for 51 participants from Maldivian government, academia, enterprises and a school.
- Sessions cover fishing equipment maintenance, aquatic conservation, climate change effects on aquaculture and coral reef restoration, linked to agreements from President Muizzu's China visit.
- China pledged to share research and technical expertise, help expand overseas markets for Maldivian fish, and conduct mariculture research at Maniyafushi in Kaafu Atoll.
Fisheries cooperation between the Maldives and China is moving into technical training and field research, with specialists from Hainan University leading a two-day programme focused on marine resource management and the blue economy.
The Technical Training Programme on Fisheries and Blue Economy, being held from 21 to 22 September, brings together 51 participants from government institutions, academia, state-owned enterprises and a local school.
Sessions will cover the maintenance of fishing equipment, aquatic conservation, the effects of climate change on tropical aquaculture, coral reef restoration and the wider damage caused by climate change. Technical experts from Hainan University are conducting the sessions.
Minister of Fisheries, Agriculture and Ocean Resources Ahmed Shiyam said the programme reflects the importance of the blue economy to Maldivian livelihoods and supports the government’s efforts to develop the sector.
He linked the workshop to fisheries-related agreements signed during President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s state visit to China, describing the programme as part of the continuing implementation of cooperation agreed between the two countries.
Shiyam also encouraged participants to exchange findings and raise questions throughout the programme, noting that challenges affecting the sector require cooperation across multiple institutions.
Chinese Ambassador to the Maldives Kong Xianhua said China was prepared to share research and technical expertise with the Maldives, while also assisting efforts to expand overseas markets for Maldivian fish products.
Participants include representatives from the Fisheries Ministry, Maldives Marine Research Institute, Maldives National University, Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company, Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy, Environmental Regulatory Authority and Villa International High School.
Hainan University representatives are also expected to conduct mariculture research at Maniyafushi in Kaafu Atoll under the direction of the Fisheries Ministry.
According to the ministry, the research forms part of broader efforts to deepen cooperation under the China-Maldives Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership for 2024 to 2028.
