CIDCA vice-chairman meets with Madagascar’s minister of fisheries and blue economy

On April 23, Zhao Fengtao, vice-chairman of the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA), met with Paubert Mahatante, Madagascar's minister of fisheries and blue economy, on the sidelines of the fifth Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Indian Ocean Commission, which was held in Tananarive.

Pointing out that the blue economy is a key area of cooperation between China and Africa, including Madagascar, Zhao said that Madagascar's blue economy development strategy aligns with China's concepts of the Maritime Silk Road and of a maritime community with a shared future. Under the strategic guidance of the leaders of the two countries, the CIDCA is ready to work with Madagascar's Ministry of Fisheries and Blue Economy to implement the outcomes of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Beijing Summit, strengthen cooperation on the blue economy within the framework of the Global Development Initiative (GDI), and enhance alignment in strategic planning and practical project cooperation, as well as talent development and trilateral and multi-party cooperation, he said.

He said he hoped Madagascar would continue to attend the China-Indian Ocean Region Forum on Blue Economy Development Cooperation.

Mahatante thanked China for its assistance to Madagascar in areas including the marine economy, fisheries management, disaster prevention and reduction, maritime security, ocean research, and capacity building. Madagascar is willing to draw upon China's advanced experiences in blue economy development, deepen pragmatic cooperation with the CIDCA, and play an active role in Belt and Road cooperation and GDI implementation, in a bid to achieve common sustainable development in the blue economy, he said. 

Chinese Ambassador to Madagascar Ji Ping and Deputy Director-General of the CIDCA's Department of International Cooperation Guan Zhiyong also attended the meeting.