The Hithadhoo Fish Processing Facility, established under the Addu Neighborhood Fish Processing Facility Project, has been officially inaugurated.
The facility was inaugurated virtually today during a ceremony held at the President's Office by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi.
The Hithadhoo Fish Processing Facility is equipped with modern machinery, a plant for processing dried and fresh fish, a 20-tonne ice plant, a 30-tonne cold storage, and other essential support facilities. The government states that there are plans to further develop the site in the future by adding a fish processing facility that meets European Union export standards.
The Hithadhoo Fish Processing Facility has now been brought into operation. The facility is prepared to produce high-quality fish products for local consumption and export in accordance with HACCP standards. The production of some products is already underway.
This is a complete facility gifted by the people of India to the people of the Maldives, symbolizing the friendship between the two nations. It is noted as a step that brings significant progress to the Maldivian fisheries sector. Established with the assistance of the Indian government, the Hithadhoo Fish Processing Facility will help strengthen local industries and regional ties. Since fish is purchased directly from the island's fishermen, the value generated here will be retained within the island.
"This is not just about producing fish products. It is also about creating job opportunities, supporting families, and increasing community resilience. The Addu Hithadhoo Fish Processing Facility is an example of genuine participation and progress. This is a place built with the people, for the people," the government stated.
The Addu Neighborhood Fish Processing Facility Project is an initiative carried out under Indian grant assistance to establish fish factories in three districts of Addu City. While the Hithadhoo facility has been completed and brought into operation under this 23 million Rufiyaa project, work on the facility being established in Hulhudhoo is nearing completion. Additionally, the Addu City Council is preparing to re-tender the work for the facility to be established in Maradhoo.
