President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has assured that the Maldives will soon receive duty-free access for its fish exports to Europe and the United Kingdom (UK). He made the remark at the ceremony held in Addu City to conclude his primary election campaign.
Speaking at the event, President Solih said that his administration worked harder than previous governments to develop the fisheries sector by increasing the fish processing capacity fourfold. He also pledged to double the capacity of the fish processing plant in Hulhumeedhoo in Addu.
Furthermore, President Solih said the biggest concern for fishermen is the duty levied on fish exports, which prevents them from selling their catch at an adequate price. He highlighted that Europe and the UK levy a 24% duty on Maldivian fish products while no duty is levied on other Indian Ocean countries. He, however, said that the Maldives will receive a duty exemption soon.
The Maldives has previously exported fish to Europe without duty. However, the duty was levied after the Maldives transitioned from a developing country to a middle-income country.