News Desk
Male’ — A delegation from China’s Ministry of Livestock and Agriculture, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of Sichuan Province, and the Sichuan Academy of Agricultural Sciences met with Maldivian officials to advance collaboration on agricultural development, according to a statement from the Maldives Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture.
The discussions, which focused on implementing a 2024 memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening agricultural ties, covered progress made under the agreement and explored avenues for deeper cooperation. While the ministry did not specify whether the talks were technical or political in nature, it confirmed that the minister did not participate, with senior officials leading the exchange.
The MoU, signed last year by the Maldives government, Sichuan’s agricultural department, and the Sichuan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, seeks to foster growth in the Maldives’ agricultural sector through innovation, technical assistance, capacity building, and sustainable practices. The ministry said the meeting highlighted work already underway and identified opportunities to further enhance these efforts.
The Maldives, heavily reliant on imports for food security, has increasingly sought partnerships to modernize its agricultural industry. Cooperation with China, could provide critical support for sustainable farming practices tailored to the country’s unique environmental challenges, says officials from the Ministry.
Details of specific projects or timelines remain undisclosed, but officials described the talks as productive, signaling a commitment to deepening bilateral ties in agriculture. As the Maldives grapples with climate change and economic diversification, such partnerships may prove vital for long-term food security and resilience.
