MIFCO and China's CMEC Sign Deals to Expand Maldives Fisheries Infrastructure

The Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company (MIFCO) has inked three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with China Machinery Engineering Corporation (CMEC) to significantly upgrade the nation's fisheries infrastructure and boost export capacity. The agreements were signed at a ceremony hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare, targeting enhanced cold storage and processing facilities across key atolls. The partnership will see a cold storage and blast freezing facility established in Hirilandhoo, Thaa Atoll, and expanded fish procurement and storage operations in Thinadhoo, Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll. Additionally, the Addu Fisheries Complex will undergo capacity increases for fish procurement and storage, alongside the creation of a new fish processing and export factory. Fisheries remain a vital economic pillar for the Maldives, supporting livelihoods across the islands. By collaborating with CMEC, one of China's largest engineering firms, MIFCO aims to foster sustainable fisheries development and increase the export of value-added fish products. This infrastructure modernization is expected to reduce post-harvest losses, improve product quality for international markets, and create new economic opportunities in remote communities, aligning with broader national development goals.