President Promises For Positive Change In Fisheries Industry In Maldives

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih stated on December 9^th evening, that fishermen will reap the advantages of the government's efforts to boost the industry early next year, including favorable price revisions. He made the remarks while speaking at an official gathering commemorating the 41st National Fishermen's Day in Gaafaru Island, Kaafu Atoll.

While economic activity was hindered by lock-downs caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, the President stated that the fishing industry was one that remained unaffected. President Solih outlined some of the good reforms the administration has pioneered for fishermen, reaffirming the government's commitment to establishing a sustainable fishing industry.

On this subject, President Solih stated that the government's primary goal is to ensure that fishermen are paid on time. When his administration started office, the Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company Ltd. (MIFCO) owed approximately MVR 39.5 million to fishermen, but the President said the debt was cleared, followed by the introduction of new regulations to pay fishermen weekly.

The quality of the fish is a major determinant on cost. President Solih stated that one of the areas where the administration is working to improve is quality, which involves building a statewide system for providing ice to fishing vessels. Others had been completed on Maduvvari Island of Raa Atoll and Hoarafushi Island of Haa Alifu Atoll by the time he inaugurated the newly developed ice plant on Gaafaru Island on Thursday evening.

Another 50-tonne ice plant has been built at Felivaru, while another 18 ice plants are under construction in 12 atolls. After the projects are completed, production will grow to 15,000 tonnes per month, which the President termed as a considerable development for the industry. The President also stressed the significance of developing value-added product production.