The Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company Limited (MIFCO) has revealed plans to introduce a large foreign fishing vessel to its operations in March, coinciding with the peak fishing season.
The fishing vessel called Maskira will have a capacity of 3,000 metric tonnes and aims to alleviate capacity constraints faced by local fishermen during the peak season. In addition, MIFCO is in the process of bringing another vessel to further support fishing activities.
Speaking to PSM News, General Manager of MIFCO Muaz Ali said that the company plans to use these foreign vessels to access international markets for Maldivian fish. He said that the company is also working on enabling quality testing within the Maldives by foreign companies to reduce the risk of rejected shipments abroad.
The Maskira is set to dock at the harbour in Kooddoo, Gaafu Alifu Atoll, where it will be loaded for export to European markets. Buyers will inspect the fish at the harbour to ensure compliance with quality standards.
The actions align with government initiatives to improve the profitability of MICO, enhance market access, and maintain the quality of locally produced fish for international trade. President Dr. Mohmed Muzzu has pledged to transform MIFCO from a loss-making company into a profitable one. Within the first week of thE pledge, the President converted MIFCO into an independent company responsible for its own losses, leading to several changes in the company's management.