A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between India and Maldives to enhance cooperation in the fields of fisheries and aquaculture.
The MoU was signed between the Maldives’ Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources and the Department of Fisheries under India’s Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying.
The agreement was signed by the Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources, Ahmed Shiyam on behalf of the Maldivian government, while India’s Minister of External Affairs, Dr S Jaishankar signed on behalf of the Indian government.
The Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources said the main objective of the MoU is to promote sustainable tuna fisheries, strengthen sustainable resource management and develop aquaculture. It also focuses on advancing environmentally friendly fisheries-tourism and supporting innovation and scientific research in both countries.
In addition, the agreement will promote cooperation in value chain development, training and research, capacity-building within the fisheries sector, private sector participation in mariculture, and the facilitation of investment opportunities.
The Ministry said the MoU will contribute to the sustainable use of fisheries resources and the protection of the environment. The exchange of knowledge and experience between the two countries will also help both countries to address key challenges in the fisheries sector, the Ministry added.
The Ministry also expressed hope that the MoU will further strengthen the fisheries relations between the Maldives and India and promote the fisheries industry of the two nations.