Exports of Maldivian fisheries products to China have registered a notable year-on-year increase during the first six months of this year, driven by the implementation of the bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA), according to the Chinese Ambassador to the Maldives, Kong Xianhua.
Ambassador Kong made the remarks during the opening ceremony of a two-day technical workshop on the Blue Economy, where he underscored the critical importance of strengthening bilateral cooperation in sustainable marine development as the sector continues to grow.
Linking the recent uptick in trade directly to the FTA, the Ambassador emphasised that the agreement has unlocked vast commercial opportunities for Maldivians by granting zero-percent tariff access on a wide range of tuna and marine products entering the Chinese market.
"Because of this, China’s large market has opened up to Maldivian fisheries products. In the first six months of this year, Maldives' export of fisheries products to China has increased year-on-year. However, I believe this is only the beginning—a very small start—and I consider it to be a massive opportunity,” he said.
Beyond trade, Ambassador Kong highlighted ongoing joint efforts to enhance technical expertise and boost local output. He revealed that a delegation from the Maldives is currently participating in an advanced seminar in China focused on aquaculture, fisheries product development, and blue economy strategies. This follows a successful initiative last year in which Chinese experts conducted specialised training on sea cucumber farming directly in the Maldives.
The Ambassador expressed optimism that the tariff-free access and technical collaboration would inject new vitality into the local seafood industry. He noted that expanding the market for fish products would not only foster sustainable, long-term economic growth for the nation but also inspire more young Maldivians to pursue careers in the evolving fisheries sector.