A Chinese company has produced the first sample batch of canned tuna using Maldives’ tuna exports to China.
The canned tuna was manufactured through a collaboration between Weihai QZ Blusea Foods Co. Ltd. and Jingweidao brand. The sample was presented to the Maldives’ Ambassador to China Fazeel Najeeb at a special ceremony held in China.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources, Ahmed Shiyam said the project was facilitated as a result of the China-Maldives Free Trade Agreement. The agreement eliminates the import duty on fish exports from the Maldives to China.
“It marks a pioneering step in leveraging the China-Maldives Free Trade Agreement, which allows zero import duty for Maldivian fish products entering China,” he wrote on a social media post published on X.
The Minister further said the duty waiver is part of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s strategic vision to diversify the Maldives' fisheries industry, explore new markets, and promote sustainable, high-value fish products globally. He described the initiative as a proud moment for bilateral trade, sustainable fisheries, and regional cooperation.
The China-Maldives Free Trade Agreement came into force on 1 January this year. The agreement paves the way for expanded trade and investment opportunities between the Maldives and China. Under the FTA, 296 types of seafood can be exported to China without incurring any import duty. Local businesses will also have the opportunity to export seafood products to China at a price that meets the World Trade Organisation (WTO) standards.