The first sea shipment of tuna from Malta has arrived in China, the Parliamentary Secretariat for Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Animal Rights stated on Tuesday.

The Secretariat said that the sea shipment follows a number of smaller air cargo experts through the bilateral export agreement which took place between the Maltese and Chinese governments in November 2023.

Parliamentary Secretary Alicia Bugeja Said remarked that the success of these exports to a large new market is testimony to the diligent work of the two governments, which has resulted in Malta being among the first countries in the Mediterranean to enter the Chinese market. She added that the Maltese Government's support to help local operators diversify towards new export markets is the result of agreement between the governments, which she commented involved technical and diplomatic support at every level.

The Secretariat stated that the first meetings began in 2021 when the government received a request from local operators who indicated that they were interested in exploring new markets. It continued that the diplomatic discussions which followed then paved the way for more advanced technical work to ensure that the local product would be in compliance with food safety standards as required by the Chinese market.

"These exports arrived at an important moment for local operators, who were feeling market pressures from an almost exclusive dependence on one export market. The diversification of the market ensures that local producers can continue to maintain a strong export business while increasing the demand for our products," commented Bugeja Said. She added that it is now the government’s turn to start exporting fishermen’s tuna so that they can enjoy better prices for their products.

Bugeja Said concluded that it is satisfying to see the government’s commitment leading to positive results with the aim that local product remains sought after in global markets.