President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has stated that instead of the government keeping all control of the fisheries industry, he wants to hand over that control or power to the general fishermen. The President made these remarks while speaking to the residents of AA. Rasdhoo during his visit to the island today.
In his speech, the President noted that the fisheries sector is one of the most important sectors in expanding the Maldives' economy and stated that he would give high priority to the fisheries industry.
"There are about 12-13 vessels going out for yellowfin tuna fishing in this island as well. I wish for the fishermen of this island to expand further. To build more vessels as well," the President said.
He stated that ice is very important for fishing and that establishing and increasing ice plants across the Maldives is included in his manifesto. In this regard, he mentioned that the work of establishing ice plants in various regions of the Maldives has now begun by securing funds from the Saudi Development Fund, funds from multilateral agencies, and the state budget. He also stated that once the ice plants are established, if the council wants to run them, he wishes to hand over the operation of the ice plants to the council.
In his speech, the President noted that along with establishing ice plants in the islands, the government has started providing loans to general fishermen, captains, and vessel owners to establish RSW system facilities in their vessels, allowing them to produce their own ice and build the capacity to handle fish safely, and that many fishermen are benefiting from this. The President also assured that this work would be further expanded next year.
In his speech, the President stated that he does not want the government to have any control over fisheries and that he wants to hand over all that control to the fishermen.
"I want to give that opportunity to the general fishermen, without the government keeping everything, without the government keeping control of everything. To give that opportunity to businessmen. To release the control, the power that the government has, into the hands of the fishermen. That is why we decided to give the opportunity to establish RSW plants in the vessels. God willing, the fishermen of this island will also have that opportunity to establish that capacity on their own. We are giving loan assistance, soft loans," the President said.
The President stated that he wants to expand the fisheries industry closely with the citizens and fishermen, and that God willing, the priority he gives to fisheries will be seen by the citizens in the future.
