This development comes as part of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s broader strategic vision to diversify and strengthen the Maldives’ fisheries sector.
X@shiyamaldives
In a significant step forward for bilateral trade and fisheries development, Weihai QZ Blusea Foods Co. Ltd. and the Jingweidao brand team have successfully produced the first sample batch of canned tuna using fish caught in Maldivian waters.
This landmark initiative, which was announced by the Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources, Ahmed Shiyam on x (formerly known as Twitter) is the first time that Maldivian tuna has been processed and canned in China under the China-Maldives Free Trade Agreement (FTA). According to the minister, the first batch of samples was officially presented to His Excellency Fazeel Najeeb, Maldives Ambassador to China.
Signed in 2017 and in force since 2019, the China-Maldives FTA allows Maldivian fish products to enter the Chinese market at zero import duty—providing a major competitive advantage for the island nation's fisheries sector. Tuna remains the Maldives’ most important export commodity, and tapping into the vast Chinese market is expected to bring transformative benefits to both fishermen and the national economy.
This development comes as part of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s broader strategic vision to diversify and strengthen the Maldives’ fisheries sector. The government aims to explore new international markets, add value to traditional fish exports, and promote sustainably sourced, high-quality Maldivian seafood across the globe.
Speaking on the achievement, the Minister also noted that the successful canning of Maldivian tuna in China not only unlocks new economic opportunities but also demonstrates the potential of regional cooperation in promoting sustainable and mutually beneficial trade.
Thrilled to congratulate Weihai QZ Blusea Foods Co. Ltd. and the Jingweidao brand team for successfully producing the first sample batch of canned tuna made from Maldives-caught fish. These samples were presented to the Maldives Ambassador to China, HE Fazeel Najeeb, @MDVinChina. It marks a pioneering step in leveraging the China-Maldives Free Trade Agreement, which allows zero import duty for Maldivian fish products entering China. It is part of President @MMuizzu’s strategic vision is to diversify the Maldives' fisheries industry, explore new markets, and promote sustainable, high-value fish products globally. A proud moment for bilateral trade, sustainable fisheries and regional cooperation.
With demand for responsibly sourced, premium seafood on the rise globally, initiatives like this are expected to help the Maldives position itself as a leading supplier in the international high-value fish products market.
