Beijing, 4th November 2023 – The governments of Malta and China have officially inked a landmark agreement in Beijing for the export of Maltese bluefin tuna, heralding a new chapter in trade relations between the two countries. This pivotal moment comes as the culmination of nearly two years of meticulous negotiations and steadfast commitment to meet the high standards required by the Chinese market.
With a burgeoning population of approximately 1.4 billion, China represents a vast and dynamic marketplace. The integration of Maltese bluefin tuna into this market is poised to enhance Malta’s footprint in Asia, where the country’s tuna is already celebrated for its exceptional taste and quality.
In a grand gesture to commemorate Malta’s breakthrough into the Chinese market, the nation is set to make a splash at the upcoming China International Import Expo (CIIE) held in Shanghai. Malta will proudly showcase its offerings at the Expo from November 5th to 10th, 2023, inviting participants to indulge in the rich, succulent flavors of Maltese bluefin tuna.
This occasion marks a significant return to in-person exhibitions post-Covid-19, with the Expo expecting a global audience that includes representatives from 154 countries, regions, and various international organizations, alongside a host of 3,400 exhibitors and approximately 410,000 registered professional visitors.
Trade Malta, the Malta Food Agency, and Aquaculture Resources Limited are excited to present a dedicated exhibition space, providing the first opportunity for attendees to experience the nutritious and mouth-watering Maltese bluefin tuna within China’s borders. The esteemed Minister for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade, Dr. Ian Borg, is scheduled to inaugurate the Maltese stand on November 5th, setting the stage for an engaging cultural and commercial exchange.
As Malta casts its net wider on the global stage, this new venture into the Chinese market stands as a testament to the island nation’s expanding international trade horizons and its commitment to delivering globally recognized flavors and quality.