Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources Ahmed Shiyam has invited Chinese investors to support the development of the Maldives’ mariculture industry, citing significant growth potential in the sector. The invitation was extended during a meeting with Luo Zhaohui, Chairman of the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA), on the sidelines of the Third China-Indian Ocean Region Forum on Blue Economy Development Cooperation in Kunming, China.
Minister Shiyam highlighted the administration’s efforts, led by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, to promote mariculture as a key economic driver. He noted that four locations across the Maldives have already been identified for the industry’s development. Investment in these regions, he added, is essential to advance infrastructure, build capacity, and develop human resources to fully realise the sector’s potential.
The mariculture industry, which involves the cultivation of marine organisms such as fish, shellfish, and seaweed, has been identified as a key opportunity to diversify the Maldives’ economy beyond its traditional reliance on fisheries and tourism. Minister Shiyam emphasised the need for foreign partnerships and expertise to enhance the sector’s competitiveness and sustainability.
During the meeting, Minister Shiyam also discussed broader efforts to enhance the fisheries sector, including increasing fish processing capacity and promoting sustainable, environmentally friendly fishing practices. He noted that these initiatives align with the Maldives’ long-term goals of preserving marine resources while expanding economic opportunities for local communities.
Minister Shiyam highlighted the Maldives’ close and historic ties with China, describing the relationship as one built on mutual respect for sovereignty. He expressed hope that the two nations would continue to strengthen cooperation, particularly in areas such as blue economy development.
The Third China-Indian Ocean Region Forum, co-hosted by the Maldives and organised by CIDCA, runs from 15 to 17 December under the theme “The Future of the Blue Indian Ocean Development, Practice of the Global South.” The event serves as a platform for fostering partnerships and sharing strategies to sustainably develop marine resources, with mariculture identified as a key area of focus.
The Maldives’ call for investment reflects the government’s commitment to diversifying its economy while creating opportunities for innovation and sustainability in the fisheries and mariculture sectors.
