Gov’t Explores Fish Exports to China Through MoU with SINOMACH Hainan Development Corporation  

The government is seeking to explore opportunities to export Maldivian frozen whole fish to China through a new agreement aimed at assessing market demand and potential supply arrangements.

The Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company Limited (MIFCO) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with SINOMACH Hainan Development Co., Ltd. at the China–Maldives Investment Cooperation Forum on 28 October 2026.

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MIFCO Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Mohamed Anas signed the MoU with Ou Weiguo, Chief Advisor of SINOMACH Hainan Development Co., Ltd.

The agreement establishes a framework for the two companies to assess opportunities in the Chinese market and coordinate on product quality, packaging, logistics and regulatory requirements for potential exports.

Under the proposed arrangement, MIFCO would serve as the prospective supplier, while SINOMACH Hainan would explore market opportunities in China.

The companies will also assess the potential to increase export volumes from 2027, subject to the outcome of the initial assessment and subsequent commercial arrangements.

MIFCO said that the MoU provides a basis for MIFCO to explore new international markets for Maldivian fisheries products and expand trade cooperation with China. 

At the forum, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu urged Chinese businesses to partner with Maldivian enterprises and invest in sectors including fisheries processing, renewable energy, food security and digital technology. 

Chinese Ambassador to the Maldives Kong Xianhua called for expanded cooperation in renewable energy, modern agriculture and transport, alongside technological innovation, investment and skills development. He also highlighted the potential for Chinese expertise in fisheries processing and supply chains to support economic cooperation between the two countries.