Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources, Ahmed Shiyam on Monday briefed representatives from multiple Chinese companies exploring investment opportunities in fisheries, mariculture and blue economy initiatives in the Maldives.
Minister Shiyam briefed the corporations regarding the government's plan to develop sport fishing harbours and agriculture and extended his support to facilitate any investments in these areas, the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources said.
In addition, the Minister also held a meeting with officials from the First Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources of China on Monday.
During the meeting, discussions were focused on fostering cooperation through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Maldives Marine Research Institute on marine research and training as well as identifying any potential joint projects to advance blue economy related developments in the Maldives, the ministry added.
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has given special emphasis to developing the country’s fisheries industry, with several initiatives already underway.
Minister Shiyam has also vowed to develop the fisheries industry to rival the tourism sector as the mainstay of the country’s economy.