Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shiyam has stated that the fisheries sector will be transformed into one of the highest revenue-generating industries for the Maldivian economy.
He made these remarks while speaking at a meeting held with the residents of Hanimaadhoo during the President's visit to the island.
In his speech, the Minister highlighted that the current government's vision is to revive the fisheries sector, and he shared the vision held by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu in this regard. Accordingly, the President's vision is to make the fisheries sector the highest revenue earner for the Maldivian economy and the industry that provides the most job opportunities for Maldivian citizens during his five-year term. Acknowledging the challenges facing the fisheries sector, the Minister stated that Dr. Muizzu's five-year term will be the era in which the fisheries sector is revived.
The Minister noted that when the government took over, there were three main concerns in the fisheries sector. These were: the issue of fishermen not receiving payment or facing delays in payment after weighing their catch, the difficulty fishermen face in obtaining ice, and the lack of storage capacity to weigh the catch, which forces fishermen to wait in queues in the lagoon with tons of fish. The Minister stated that the President is working to resolve these issues and expressed confidence that they will be solved during his term.
"The President has given the assurance to fishermen's families, the fishing community, and the Maldivian citizens that he will bring solutions to all these issues during his five-year term. We have been working to resolve this from day one," the Minister said.
In accordance with the government's promise to fishermen, MIFCO deposited funds today. Although the government initially stated it would provide 30 million Rufiyaa, an additional five million Rufiyaa was deposited today, exceeding the promised amount. Including the 35 million Rufiyaa deposited today and the funds released last Wednesday, a total of 105 million Rufiyaa has been deposited so far.
With the funds released today, the government has disbursed a total of 561 million Rufiyaa to fishermen since November 17. This amount includes the funds accounted for fuel and ice taken on credit by the fishermen.
