Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shiyam has stated that all challenges faced by the fisheries industry and fishermen will be resolved.
During last night's 'Ahaa' forum, the Minister highlighted the work planned by the government to advance the fisheries industry. He also noted the various challenges faced by the fisheries sector and fishermen, and shared updates on the efforts being made to resolve them. He gave assurances that these issues will be solved.
"The assurance we can give is that under President Muizzu's leadership, all challenges in the fisheries industry and for fishermen will be resolved," the Minister said.
The Minister stated that higher prices for fish in the international market can be achieved by increasing storage and processing capacity. In this regard, efforts are underway to complete the current and planned storage expansion projects within the first two years. If the work proceeds according to plan, the current 10,000 metric tonne storage capacity will be increased by at least 14,000 metric tonnes, he said. If so, there will be a total capacity of 24,000 metric tonnes across the Maldives, the Minister added.
Regarding fish processing, the Minister said that combining Felivaru and Horizon brings the working capacity to 110 or 120. He noted that the President wants all fish exported from the Maldives to be processed or value-added, and stated that if the government's current target is reached, revenue from fish exports will double.
Speaking about fishermen, the Minister said the President wishes to work very closely with them. Accordingly, Shiyam stated that the compilation of the fishermen's registry has begun, in line with President Dr. Muizzu's pledge. The Minister added that the assistance of councils, fishermen, and vessel owners is greatly needed to complete the registry as soon as possible. He also highlighted the projects being carried out by the government to resolve the difficulties fishermen face in obtaining ice.
