In 1985, China's fishing industry began cooperating with some developed countries, which provided aquatic products and employment opportunities for locals, said Zhang Xianliang, chief for fishing administration and supervision at the ministry.

The rapid development of aquaculture in China has kept up with demand for protein and has reduced fishing in natural waters, he said, adding that aquaculture still has great potential in China, as daily consumption of aquatic products in the country is only about half the global average.

Cui Lifeng, former president of Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, said fishing cooperation between China and other countries, including those involved in the BRI, has great potential.

Some developing African and Southeast Asian countries, for example, have relatively backward fishing industries, and food security remains a problem. But they have favorable natural resources and waters, he said.

"China can help these countries develop aquaculture to improve food security and the incomes of fishermen through investment, training talent or sending fishing experts to provide technical guidance," he said. "International cooperation in fishing can benefit both China and other countries."

The academy has been providing training in aquaculture for developing countries over the past three decades, including fish reproductive technologies, feed manufacturing, prevention and control of aquatic diseases and the operation of small fish farms, Cui said.