Discussions held regarding the newly established fish canning factories

The Ministry of Fisheries has held a meeting to discuss the progress of the fish canning factories that the government is working to establish in three regions of the Maldives.

The Fisheries Ministry stated that the meeting held today was attended by Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shiyam, senior officials of the Ministry, Chairman of China's Dongfang Electric International Corporation Li Jianhua, and a delegation of senior officials from the company.

The main purpose of this meeting was to discuss the planning and implementation of the works outlined in the agreement signed by the Fisheries Ministry on the 14th of this month with China's Dongfang Electric International Corporation to develop and finance fish landing, processing, and storage facilities in the Maldives.

During the meeting, the Minister highlighted the importance of innovatively designing the project to operate with the help of renewable energy. The Minister noted that this would help make the Maldives' fishing industry the most environmentally friendly industry in the world.

At the meeting, the Chairman of Dongfang Electric International Corporation assured the Minister that the project works would be carried out with great importance. He also stated that the goal is to completely finish the project works by the end of 2025.

Under the agreement reached with Dongfang Electric International Corporation, important fisheries-related projects are scheduled to be carried out in Dhaalu Maadheli, Gaafu Dhaalu Fiyoaree, and Lhaviyani Felivaru. As such, it has been decided to develop a factory capable of canning 100 tonnes of fish per day in Felivaru, replacing the 38-year-old cannery.

In addition, the Fisheries Ministry has stated that the projects in Dhaalu Maadheli are scheduled to be carried out in two phases. The first phase includes developing a special harbour with a landing facility for fish weighing and carrier boats, establishing accommodation, and developing roads. It also includes establishing a facility to buy and chill fish, along with a cold storage capable of storing 1,500 tonnes of fish. Through the second phase of the work, it has been decided to develop a factory capable of canning 50 tonnes of fish per day.

Under this agreement, a 3,000-tonne cold storage will be established in Gaafu Dhaalu Fiyoaree, along with a brine and blast freezing facility. Furthermore, the Fisheries Ministry stated that a factory producing 100 tonnes of fish and fish feed per day will be established, in addition to developing a rihaakuru (fish paste) production facility.