President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has stated that if the fisheries industry is properly developed, it can bring in a substantial amount of revenue relative to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Speaking at a ceremony held this morning to meet the residents of GA. Dhevvadhoo, the President said that fisheries is the largest industry involving many residents of the island and the atoll. Therefore, the government is working to facilitate matters in line with the difficulties faced by fishermen and their aspirations.
In this regard, he noted that one of his most important pledges to fishermen—paying them within 48 hours—has been fulfilled without interruption since the last Fishermen's Day. The President also assured that future matters will be addressed by taking into account the concerns and ideas of the fishermen.
"We are about to start many initiatives. By securing foreign assistance and through the state budget, we aim to expand the fisheries industry and pave the way for fishermen to advance in it. We also want to develop this industry in a way that encourages more people to enter it," the President said.
The President further stated that if the fisheries industry is adequately developed, it is a sector that will optimally contribute revenue to the Maldives' GDP and enrich the citizens, adding that the government is working with this vision.
"In reality, the fisheries industry is an industry in our hands. It is our vital lifeline that we can develop, which is not directly tied to the various dangerous events and incidents happening elsewhere in the world. If we work properly, fisheries can be made into the industry that brings in the largest revenue relative to the state's GDP and enriches the citizens. Therefore, the government is working together with fishermen with this mindset. We will improve things even further in the future."
Dhevvadhoo was the final destination of the President's tour of Huvadhu Atoll. During his visits to the islands in Huvadhu Atoll, he frequently spoke about fisheries. This included sharing the efforts being made to fulfill the current government's pledges and the planned initiatives to develop the fisheries industry.
