Participants completed the "Training Course on Improving Capacity Building for Supporting Fishing Communities" training programme in Shikoku, Japan, funded by JICA.

The participants of the JICA assisted ‘Capacity Building for Supporting Fishing Communities’ training programme have returned back to the Maldives after the successful completion of the program in Shikoku, Japan from the 13th to the 27th of February. This programme was carried out under the project for “Promotion of Blue Economy in the Fisheries Sector”, jointly implemented by JICA and the Government of Maldives, with the aim of further developing the fisheries sector.

After the return of the participants, the Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources, Ahmed Shiyam, met the participants at the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources to offer his congratulations. The participants also took this opportunity to share their experiences and knowledge gained through the program.

Conducted in Shikoku, Japan, this training was attended by the three beneficiary islands of the Project. These three islands are R. Maduvvari, M. Dhiggaru, and F. Nilandhoo, and two participants from each of the islands were selected. Additionally, Project Manager (Deputy Director General) Adam Manik and Director Aminath Nazima from the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources also participated in the training trip.

During this training program, the participants visited various places in three prefectures of Shikoku, Japan to gain relevant training and experience. The training program mainly planned to provide information on the different kinds of value-added products by using different types of tunas and participants learned both theory and practice. The demonstration for a variety of fishery products were from primary processing to the final product. Information on the businesses and products of those who have achieved notable success in small and medium scale fisheries were also provided.

In addition, participants also visited the sites of value-added fish processing plants operated by some fisheries cooperative associations. Thus, the participants were provided with firsthand exposure as they were involved in the preparation of some Japanese products.

Feedback from the participants highlighted the program’s immense value in enhancing their understanding of fish and fish product preparation and marketing strategies. They expressed their gratitude to JICA and the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources for the invaluable opportunity.

Driven by their newfound knowledge, the participants are committed to pioneering the development and marketing of innovative fish products, aiming to expand beyond existing offerings in their respective islands.

The Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources anticipates that this training program will drive significant advancements in fish production with the participants’ islands and surrounding communities, fostering sustainable growth in the fisheries sector.