Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources Ahmed Shiyam has met with participants of the Improving Capacity to Support Fishing Communities training programme held in Japan.
The programme falls under the umbrella of the "Promotion of Blue Economy in the Fisheries Sector" project, jointly undertaken by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the Maldivian government, and the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources. It was held from February 13 to 27 in Shikoku, Japan, and welcomed two representatives from each of the project's focal islands. In addition, the Project Manager, Deputy Director General of Fisheries and Ocean Resources Adam Manik, and Director Aminath Nazima participated in the event.
Speaking to PSM News, Adam Manik shared the striking parallels observed between Japan and the Maldives' fisheries sectors. He emphasised Japan's commitment to food quality, even within small-scale enterprises. He also visited fish processing plants managed by various fisheries cooperative associations, highlighting the practical engagement of participants in the preparation of Japanese products.
Throughout the training programme, participants explored diverse locations across three prefectures of Shikoku, gaining insights and hands-on experience. The programme aimed to familiarise participants with the intricacies of product preparation, packaging, and market distribution specific to Japan's seafood industry. Moreover, it offered insights into successful ventures within small and medium-scale fisheries.
The participants delved into the preparation of value-added fish products, observing activities led by women's branches within cooperative associations. They also visited retail outlets at road stations, witnessing firsthand the display and sale of various fish products, further enriching their understanding of market dynamics.