On February 17, Chargé d'Affaires a.i. Ms. He Fen attended the opening ceremony of the China (Fujian) - Maldives Aquaculture Technology Training Program. Mr. Ahmed Shiyam, Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources, and Ms. Huang Shaorong, Deputy Director-General of the Fujian Provincial Foreign Affairs Office, were also present.

Ms. He Fen stated that under the strategic guidance of the heads of state of the two countries, China-Maldives relations have entered a fast track of development. Fisheries play an important role in the economic development of both nations. President Dr. Muizzu recently emphasized in his national address that ensuring the sustainability of fisheries is one of the nation's top priorities. As a major maritime fisheries province, Fujian is well-positioned to assist the Maldives' fisheries sector in capacity-building and promote the sustainable development of the industry. 

Mr. Shiyam expressed gratitude to the Chinese experts for their guidance in aquaculture technology. He noted that fisheries are a pillar industry for the Maldives. During a visit to China early last year with President Dr. Muizzu, they toured Fujian's fisheries enterprises, where the advanced aquaculture technology impressed him. The Maldives hopes to further strengthen fisheries cooperation with China to achieve sustainable development in the sector.