President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has stated that adequate efforts are underway to revive the fisheries sector from the deep economic slump it was in when the current administration took office, and that no party will benefit from obstructing the fulfillment of pledges made to the citizens.
He made these remarks while speaking on the second episode of 'The Pulse' podcast series published today. In this episode dedicated to the fisheries sector, responding to questions from 'Mihaaru' news, the President detailed the efforts being made to improve and revive the fisheries sector from its state when his administration assumed office, and highlighted some of the successes achieved so far in this regard.
The President stated that he always wants to strengthen the entire sector, and that successes have already been achieved through the efforts to strengthen MIFCO's operations. He noted that the target is to maintain MIFCO's fish purchasing price at a rate of 20 Rufiyaa per kilogram, and expressed hope to increase it further if possible.
Similarly, the President stated that it is his hope that the removal of tariffs by the United Kingdom will be prolonged and made permanent, and that efforts will be made in this regard as well.
Furthermore, he noted that efforts are already underway to find solutions to the concerns of yellowfin tuna fishermen, and that the best price can be offered by reintroducing MIFCO into this area. The President assured that efforts to achieve this will be carried out with the participation of those engaged in yellowfin tuna fishing.
In addition, the President stated that changes will be brought to the declining number of people active in the fisheries sector across various parts of the Maldives. Noting that the fisheries sector weakened due to many people being employed by state-owned enterprises and retained in that manner, the President said that the positive impacts of the ongoing efforts to right-size state companies will begin to be felt in the Maldivian economy, including the fisheries sector. The President assured that his administration is working to resolve these issues through a comprehensive economic policy.
He also stated that he is generally satisfied with the efforts being made to bring progress to the fisheries sector, and that he will find solutions to the challenges faced in developing a modern fish market in Male' City, where the largest number of people in the fisheries sector are active.
