The Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company Limited (MIFCO) has officially introduced its range of fish products to the Sri Lankan market during a ceremony attended by President Mohamed Muizzu, as part of his ongoing state visit to Sri Lanka.
Minister of Fisheries, Agriculture and Ocean Resources Ahmed Shiyam led the introduction of MIFCO’s premium fish products at the ceremony, delivering remarks that highlighted the cultural and economic significance of the initiative.
The Minister noted that even prior to the official market entry, consumers in Sri Lanka had demonstrated a strong preference for high-quality fish products. He said the longstanding relationship between the two countries has facilitated the introduction of MIFCO’s products to the Sri Lankan market, contributing to closer economic ties.
Minister Shiyam also outlined the broader vision underpinning the Maldives’ fisheries modernisation efforts under President Muizzu’s administration. He highlighted the government’s commitment to developing the fisheries sector in a manner that promotes environmental sustainability and economic efficiency, positioning the Maldives as a leader in responsible marine resource management.
He added that the launch would enable consumers in Sri Lanka to access premium Maldivian fish products, while creating new opportunities for cross-border business collaboration between the two countries.
During the ceremony, MIFCO unveiled its Fasmeeru brand, which includes a range of products such as smoked tuna, canned tuna varieties, and traditional dried fish products.
The event was attended by several Sri Lankan officials, including Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development Vasantha Samarasinghe and Chief Executive Officer of Development Interplan Ceylon Zuraish Hashim.
The market entry builds on a key initiative launched by the government in July last year, when the “From Maldives” national brand for fishery products was introduced. The branding initiative forms part of a broader strategy to increase economic returns from the fisheries sector, while expanding processing, packaging, and cold chain infrastructure.
The “From Maldives” brand is an initiative of the Maldives Fisheries and Ocean Resources Marketing and Promotion Corporation, a state-owned entity established under a presidential directive to support the participation of Maldivian fish product manufacturers in international markets.