Sichuan Delegation Explores Fisheries Cooperation Under China-Maldives FTA

News

A high-level delegation from the Sichuan Provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs has paid a courtesy visit to the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources of the Maldives to explore new avenues of cooperation under the China-Maldives Free Trade Agreement (CMFTA).

Sichuan Province, one of the most economically vibrant regions in western China, boasts a gross domestic product of nearly 7 trillion yuan. With a strong foundation in agriculture and aquaculture, the province is recognized as a key contributor to China’s food production and rural development.

During discussions with Maldivian officials, the delegation expressed keen interest in forging collaborative ties in the fields of fisheries and aquaculture. Proposed areas of cooperation include modern fisheries technology transfer, capacity building, and knowledge exchange initiatives aimed at enhancing sustainable fishing practices and boosting aquaculture development in the Maldives.

Both sides welcomed the meeting as a positive step towards deepening bilateral ties, underscoring the importance of the CMFTA as a platform for meaningful economic and technical cooperation. The Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources expressed appreciation for the interest shown by the Sichuan delegation and reaffirmed its commitment to further strengthening Maldives–China collaboration in the fisheries sector.

This visit adds to the growing momentum of bilateral engagements between the Maldives and China, especially in trade, infrastructure, and sustainable development.