Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shiyam has called for international maritime commitments to translate into practical improvements for island communities, highlighting the need for better access to information for fishers, improved facilities to preserve the quality and value of catches, and greater opportunities for young Maldivian researchers.
Shiyam made the remarks while addressing the opening ceremony of the 7th Symposium on Global Maritime Cooperation and Ocean Governance in Sanya, Hainan Province, China.
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Speaking under the theme “Shared Commitments and Collective Action: An Ocean of Opportunities for Small Island Developing States”, the minister said international cooperation was important in addressing challenges faced by island nations and ensuring the sustainable use of marine resources.
Minister @Shiyamaldives attended the opening ceremony of the 7th Symposium on Global Maritime Cooperation and Ocean Governance, held in Sanya, Hainan Province, China, and delivered remarks on the theme “Shared Commitments and Collective Action: An Ocean of Opportunities for Small Island Developing States.” The Minister highlighted the importance of international cooperation in sustainable fisheries management, marine scientific research, climate resilience and equitable ocean governance. He also underscored the opportunities offered by the Maldives–China Free Trade Agreement to strengthen fisheries trade and connect island livelihoods with international markets. He emphasised the need to translate leaders’ shared commitments into practical progress; from better information for fishers and improved facilities that preserve the value of their catch, to stronger science and greater opportunities for young Maldivian researchers. The Minister reaffirmed the Maldives’ commitment to strengthening international partnerships, protecting marine resources and advancing a sustainable ocean economy that supports island communities.— Min of Fisheries, Agriculture and Ocean Resources (@MFAORmv) November 6, 2026
He highlighted sustainable fisheries management, marine scientific research, climate resilience and equitable ocean governance as key areas requiring stronger international collaboration.
The minister also pointed to the opportunities offered by the Maldives–China Free Trade Agreement (FTA) to expand fisheries trade and connect island communities with international markets.
He said commitments made by leaders and international partners should lead to tangible improvements for people whose livelihoods depend on the ocean. These include providing fishers with better information to support their work and investing in facilities that help preserve the value of their catches.
Shiyam also emphasised the importance of creating more opportunities for young Maldivian researchers to contribute to marine science and the development of the country’s ocean economy.
He reaffirmed the Maldives’ commitment to strengthening international partnerships, protecting marine resources and advancing a sustainable ocean economy that supports island communities.
