The first export agreement for wild-caught aquatic animal products to China has been signed in China. This agreement is a historic step for the fishing sector in Malta, and will offer new opportunities and greater stability for the Maltese fishing community, and strengthen cooperation between Malta and China in the field of sustainable agriculture and fisheries.
The signing of the agreement took place during an official visit by Minister Anton Refalo to China, where Minister Refalo met with the Minister of the General Administration of Chinese Customs, Meijun Sun.
Minister Anton Refalo said, “This historic agreement opens a new chapter for the Maltese fishing community. For the first time, our wild-caught fishery products will have direct access to the Chinese market, one of the largest and most promising in the world. This means not only new revenue opportunities and better prices, but also international recognition of the quality and professionalism offered by our fishermen.”
At the same time, Malta’s presence at the China International Import Expo demonstrated how Maltese agricultural and fishery products can compete strongly on a global level. “The quality, genuineness and passion of our producers are attracting the attention of international consumers and investors. All this shows that Malta, despite its size, is capable of being a country with a significant voice and presence when it works with vision, determination and faith in its potential,” concluded Minister Refalo.
In relation to this agreement, Parliamentary Secretary Alicia Bugeja Said stated, “This agreement is important for our country. After several meetings with the Chinese Embassy, we are seeing our country take another step forward in this sector. The export agreement to China not only opens up new opportunities for Maltese fishermen, but also offers greater stability and a new market for our products. This is a clear example of how, through international cooperation and a commitment to sustainability, we can ensure a strong and sustainable future for the fishing sector in Malta.”
The Ministry is also working to expand export opportunities for other high-quality products, including red shrimp, preserves and olive oil, in order to strengthen Malta’s presence in the Chinese market and promote sustainable growth for local producers. In fact, part of the Ministry’s official visit focused on Malta’s participation in the China International Import Expo in Shanghai where a number of Maltese products were exhibited on a stand specially set up by Malta.
During this official visit, Minister Refalo also held official meetings with the Vice President of the People’s Association for Partnership with Foreign Countries. During these meetings, export opportunities and how to strengthen ties between Malta and China in the field of trade and international cooperation were discussed.
During this official visit, Minister Refalo also held official meetings with the Vice President of the People’s Association for Partnership with Foreign Countries.
Photos: MAFA
