Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources, Honorable Ahmed Shiyam visited Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on 4th February 2024. He participated in SIMEC exhibition and held discussions with respective authorities during his four-day visit.
The purpose of the visit is for exploring the avenues for cooperation and exchange of expertise between the two countries in areas of mutual interest including investment in aquaculture, scientific research of marine resources and capacity building in fisheries industry.
The Official Segment: Attending opening ceremony of SIMEC Exhibition
SIMEC aims to highlight the importance of the fishing sector and bring together various sectors and activities in this field. The fair is the first of its kind in Saudi Arabia, explicitly focusing on these topics. A primary focus is on exchanging experiences and promoting knowledge and awareness of the importance and marketing of seafood, particularly aiming to boost seafood consumption.
After the opening ceremony, Minister and his delegation participated in a luncheon.
They also visited some stalls including MIFCO stall in the SIMEC exhibition.
Minister remarked that this exhibition will be beneficial for MIFCO hence SIMEC is a platform for fostering business connections and facilitating the exchange of information across various fields related to marine and ocean resources.
Meeting with Minister of Environment Abdulrahman Al-Fadley
Minister Shiyam met with the Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture His Excellency Abdulrahman Abdulmohsen A. Al-Fadley and discussed about strengthening and advancing the relations between the two countries in line with joint programs and development projects.
Meeting with Mr. Faisal Al Qahtani, Deputy CEO of Saudi Fund for Development
Summary of Discussions
The Meeting commenced with greetings from both parties.
- Deputy CEO of SFD welcomed Minister Shiyam and thanked him for the meeting.
- Minister Shiyam expressed the pleasure of meeting Deputy CEO of SFD.
- Deputy CEO of SFD specifically referred to the Opening ceremony of the Marine Exhibition which took place on February 6, 2024 in Riyadh, which was focused on investment opportunities in aquaculture.
- Minister Shiyam underlined the importance of enhancing cooperation between the fisheries institutions of both countries.
- Minister Shiyam, referred to the key areas that Maldives is focusing on such as development of cold storage facilities, finding new markets for Maldives Fish products.
Development of cold storage facilities have been financed by the SFD. Minister Shiyam
shed light on the prospective projects the new government has planned to pursue. Minister Shiyam told Deputy CEO that he hope SFD will support these prospective projects.
- Faisal Al Qahtani, Deputy CEO of Saudi Fund for Development also said that a delegation of Saudi Fund for Development will visit Maldives in a near future.
