The Maldives has stepped up efforts to promote its fisheries products and tourism opportunities in Bangladesh through a special showcase held in Dhaka.
Organised by the Maldivian High Commission in Bangladesh in collaboration with chef Maha Naseer, the event, titled “The Great Tuna Gala – Flavors from the Sunny Side,” highlighted the Maldives’ sustainable fisheries sector, traditional cuisine and tourism potential.
Bangladeshi Minister of Civil Aviation and Tourism M. Rashiduzzaman Millat attended the opening ceremony as the guest of honour. The event also brought together senior government officials, ambassadors, business representatives and stakeholders from Bangladesh’s tourism and seafood industries.
A major feature of the showcase was the live preparation of traditional Maldivian dishes, demonstrating the central role of tuna in the country’s culinary culture. Guests were introduced to a variety of local specialities, including riha folhi rolls prepared with spiced tuna, mashuni served with roshi, masburi riha fish curry and tuna steaks seasoned with lonumirus chilli paste.
The event also highlighted the wider importance of fisheries to the Maldives, both as an economic sector and as an integral part of island life and the country’s cultural identity.
High Commissioner of Maldives to Bangladesh Shiuneen Rasheed said the fisheries industry remains a vital source of livelihood for communities across the Maldives and plays an important role in the country’s economy and heritage.
She said there is considerable scope to expand seafood exports to Bangladesh while also creating new opportunities to attract Bangladeshi visitors to the Maldives.
Minister Millat likewise highlighted the potential for stronger cooperation between the two countries in the fisheries and tourism sectors. He said joint promotional initiatives could help further develop bilateral commercial and tourism ties.
The Dhaka event forms part of the Maldives’ broader efforts to promote its marine products internationally, strengthen seafood trade and use its distinctive culinary heritage as a means of creating new tourism and economic opportunities.
