The Chinese province of Fujian has signed a memorandum of understanding with Malaysia which will see the two parties cooperate on mariculture and seafood processing goals.
The deal includes exporting aquaculture and processing technology developed in Fujian to the Southeast Asian nation, furthering Chinese ambitions to rival Norway as a provider of seafood technology to global markets.
Guangdong Evergreen Group CEO Chen Dan said in 2024 that China now has enough high-quality aquaculture equipment and expertise it can begin exporting to the rest of the world, including in such deals as the Fujian-Malaysia MOU.
Similarly, according to Ocean University of China Professor Han Limin and Xiamen municipal government Ocean Development and Fisheries Bureau Deputy Head Song Xian Cheng, China is “closing the gap” with Norway in terms of mariculture technology.
Besides exporting Chinese technology and know-how, Malaysia and Fujian will also benefit from increased trade in seafood while also jointly developing aquaculture projects in the future.
China has been keen to seek cooperation with Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) members on the blue economy.
A paper published by the South China Sea Strategic Situation Probing Initiative, a China-based think tank, recently outlined this Chinese strategy:
“In the context of growing geopolitical uncertainties and tensions, the blue economy partnership is often touted by the Chinese government and scholars as one way to reduce tensions, generate positive momentums, and create a stronger foundation for regional cooperation and mutual trust between China and ASEAN,” the paper said. “Within the blue economy, fishery and aquaculture plays a significant role in the food security interests of Malaysia and China.”
Further deepening the relationship between China and ASEAN nations such as Malaysia, negotiations are ongoing for a three-way free trade agreement between China, ASEAN, and the Gulf Cooperation Council – a political and economic alliance comprising Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang called the negotiations “a groundbreaking initiative” in cross-regional cooperation amid “a volatile international landscape and sluggish global growth.”
