Maldivian Fish Products Officially Introduced to Sri Lankan Market

The ceremony marked the official market entry of products from Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company Limited, with Minister of Fisheries, Agriculture and Ocean Resources Ahmed Shiyam leading the presentation. The launch places Maldivian value-added fish products, including smoked tuna, canned tuna varieties, and traditional dried fish, in front of Sri Lankan consumers and businesses.

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Shiyam said Sri Lankan consumers had already shown interest in high-quality fish products even before the formal launch. He linked the move to the longstanding relationship between the Maldives and Sri Lanka, noting that closer commercial cooperation could create new opportunities for both countries.

The launch also reflects the government’s broader push to move the fisheries sector further up the value chain. Rather than relying only on raw fish exports, the Maldives has been seeking to expand processing, packaging, branding, and cold chain capacity to generate greater economic returns from one of the country’s most established industries.

During the event, MIFCO unveiled its Fasmeeru brand, which includes a range of premium fish products. The brand’s entry into Sri Lanka is expected to support the Maldives’ efforts to position its fisheries exports around quality, traceability, and responsible marine resource management.

The market entry follows the launch of the “From Maldives” national brand for fishery products in July last year. That initiative was designed to help Maldivian fish product manufacturers reach international markets under a shared national identity, while supporting the broader modernisation of the fisheries sector.

The “From Maldives” brand is managed by the Maldives Fisheries and Ocean Resources Marketing and Promotion Corporation, a state-owned entity established under a presidential directive to promote Maldivian fish products abroad.

The ceremony was attended by Sri Lankan Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development Vasantha Samarasinghe and Chief Executive Officer of Development Interplan Ceylon Zuraish Hashim, along with other officials.