Maldives promotes sustainable fisheries, tourism at ‘Great Tuna Gala’ in Dhaka

The Maldives showcased its sustainable fisheries, culinary heritage and tourism potential at a gala event in Dhaka, seeking to deepen trade, tourism and business ties with Bangladesh.

The High Commission of the Maldives in Bangladesh hosted “The Great Tuna Gala – Flavours from the Sunny Side” at Sheraton Dhaka on Tuesday (October 6), bringing together around 250 guests, including senior government officials, diplomats, business leaders, tourism and fisheries industry representatives and journalists.

Bangladesh Minister of Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat attended the event as the chief guest.

Speaking at the programme, Maldives High Commissioner to Bangladesh Shiuneen Rasheed highlighted the country's deep connection with the ocean and the central role fisheries play in its economy, communities and culture.

She particularly highlighted the Maldives' traditional pole-and-line tuna fishery, in which tuna are caught individually, describing it as an important part of the country's longstanding approach to sustainable use of marine resources.

The High Commissioner also pointed to the potential for expanding Maldivian tuna and other fisheries products in the Bangladesh market.

She said growing connectivity between the two countries was creating new opportunities for increased tourism, trade and business engagement.

Minister Millat highlighted the scope for Bangladesh and the Maldives to strengthen cooperation in the fisheries and tourism sectors.

He also emphasised the potential for joint efforts in sustainable fisheries and tourism development, as well as closer cooperation in tourism promotion and creating new avenues for bilateral collaboration.

Tuna, the mainstay of the Maldivian fisheries sector, featured prominently at the event, with guests introduced to a range of Maldivian fisheries products.

Renowned Maldivian chef Maha Naseer, who travelled to Dhaka for the occasion, conducted a live culinary demonstration featuring traditional Maldivian dishes and showcasing the use of tuna and other seafood products.

The event also highlighted the cultural importance of tuna in Maldivian cuisine and its links with the country's island communities and traditional way of life.

Alongside fisheries and cuisine, the gala promoted the Maldives as a tourism destination, showcasing its island experiences, natural attractions, hospitality and cultural heritage.

The High Commission said the event aimed to increase awareness of Maldivian fisheries products in Bangladesh, explore opportunities for market access and business-to-business partnerships, and promote the Maldives as a preferred destination for Bangladeshi travellers.

The initiative comes amid efforts to expand Bangladesh-Maldives relations beyond traditional diplomatic engagement, with fisheries, trade, tourism and people-to-people connectivity emerging as areas with further potential for cooperation.

The event was supported by Epitychia Holdings Pvt. Ltd., VARU by Atmosphere, Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company Limited, Maldivian Airlines, Sheraton Dhaka, THE WAY DHAKA and INZAA Company Pvt. Ltd.