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The processing and canning of Maldivian-caught fish by a Chinese company has sparked widespread concern, with critics warning it may restrict the Maldives’ competitive edge in global fisheries markets
Chinese company Weihai QZ Blusea Foods Co. Ltd is set to begin canning Maldivian fish, Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources Ahmed Shiyam announced yesterday, describing it as a major milestone for the Maldives' fisheries sector.
Shiyam further said that this is “successful step forward” in strengthening bilateral trade under the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) signed between the Maldives and China, which allows duty-free export of Maldivian fisheries products to the Chinese market.
"It 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," the Minister wrote in a post on X.
Responses on social media, however, strongly opposed this view. Their stance is that this facilitates taking undue advantage through rejecting a large portion of exported raw fish. Additionally, the sale of Maldives-caught fish canned by a Chinese company could significantly reduce the Maldives' earnings from both the Chinese market and other international markets, where the product may be sold at a lower price by the Chinese firm.
One such social media user, lucasjalyl, wrote that this can only be a success when MIFCO's Fasmeeru canned tuna is exported to China and introduced to the global market.
Another user, assan_official, said, "... Maldives loses millions in tariff revenue and piles on more Chinese debt."
"This is not something Maldives should be thrilled about," former STO Managing Director Hussain Amr wrote on X, adding that MIFCO has lacked foreign orders for months and that fishermen face struggles due to lowered prices.
"We need to value add and export. Otherwise, this is our loss and someone else's gain."
Former Home Minister Umar Naseer also joined the debate. He stated that Maldives should be encouraging domestic processing and value added production of fish.
"We will remain a poor country if we continue to export raw fish for others to do the value addition," Umar wrote.
Fish caught in Maldives has been canned after export previously as well, such as in Thailand.
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