On October 11, 2026, H.E. Ambassador Zhang Zuo visited the Valletta waterfront to inspect the comprehensive industry chain cooperation between China and Malta regarding the international trade of bluefin tuna.

Mr. Ellul, Chairman of Malta Fishfarming Ltd. (MFF) , briefed Ambassador Zhang on the historic breakthroughs achieved by China and Malta in the scientific research and breeding of bluefin tuna. He noted that the Ocean Star—the first ultra-low-temperature refrigerated transport and processing vessel—has become the most efficient bluefin tuna processing platform in the Mediterranean region. Cooperation between the two nations in the fisheries sector has expanded year by year, and there are high expectations that this partnership will serve as a bridge for economic and trade exchanges between China and Malta.

Ambassador Zhang stated that cooperation between China and Malta in the blue economy holds broad prospects, with numerous collaborative achievements in the bluefin tuna sector already realized. China is willing to work with Malta to expand opportunities for two-way investment and cooperation, and supports Maltese enterprises in broadening their economic and trade ties with China. He emphasized the goal of comprehensively enhancing the synergy and quality of the entire bluefin tuna industry chain, fostering a dynamic interplay between trade and scientific research, and thereby boosting the friendly relations between the two countries.

Ambassador Zhang also visited the crew of the Ocean Star, a vessel operated by the MFF, while it was docked at the port; the 22nd Chinese medical team dispatched to Malta provided free medical consultations for the crew members.