Canned Maldivian fish ready for market release by Chinese company

A Chinese company has begun canning Maldivian fish products in what officials are describing as a major milestone for the country’s fisheries sector.

Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shiyam announced via a post on X that Weihai QZ Blusea Foods Co. Ltd. has started canning Maldivian fish. The initiative falls under the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) signed between the Maldives and China, which allows duty-free export of Maldivian fishery products to the Chinese market.

Shiyam described the move as a “successful step forward” in strengthening bilateral trade under the FTA. The company has also presented sample products to the Maldivian Ambassador to China, Fazeel Najeeb.

“This is part of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's strategic vision to diversify the fishing industry, expand new markets, and introduce sustainable and high-quality products to the global market,” Shiyam said.

The Maldives-China FTA provides duty-free access for 298 types of fisheries products and 7,897 types of value-added goods, giving a significant advantage to Maldivian exporters in the Chinese market.

Until now, much of the fish caught in Maldivian waters had been sent abroad, mainly to Thailand for canning and further processing before entering global markets.

The collaboration with Weihai QZ Blusea Foods Co. Ltd is expected to streamline this process and offer greater value for Maldivian fish products, while enhancing visibility in a key international market.