A new partnership to boost fisheries exports

In 2024, Madagascar exported approximately 3,900 tons of fisheries products to China. This figure demonstrates the importance of the fisheries sector to the country’s economy.

To strengthen this cooperation, a new agreement was signed on Thursday, May 15, 2025, in Antananarivo, between the General Directorate of Customs of the People’s Republic of China and the Ministry of Fisheries and the Blue Economy (MPEB). This agreement primarily concerns the export of ornamental marine fish and other species to China.

From now on, each product will have to undergo a health inspection and quarantine of at least 48 hours before departure. The Fisheries Health Authority (ASH) will be responsible for this control. “The objective is to ensure that Malagasy products meet international quality standards,” said Tilahy Désiré, Secretary General of the MPEB.

Exported products include dried fish (dingadingana), sea urchins (horita), shrimp (makamba), lobsters (oratsimba), and eels (amalona). The agreement is scheduled for a five-year period, with the possibility of renewal.

This partnership is not limited to economic matters. This agreement also encourages Malagasy fishermen and exporters to improve the quality of their products. This is a step forward towards Madagascar’s greater integration into the international market, while developing a sustainable blue economy.