European Union (EU) has acknowledged the efforts and measures Maldives have taken to stop illegal fisheries.
EU announced its decision to acknowledge Maldives in a meeting to discuss requirements of Maldives as a nation exporting fish products to European market. Minister of Fisheries and Agriculture Zaha Waheed participated in the discussions on behalf of Maldives in the meeting held in Brussels, Belgium.
EU highlighted the importance of local laws and regulations enacted in mitigating the issue of illegal fisheries across the globe. EU also applauded the decision of Maldives to include measures to stop illegal fisheries in the Fisheries Bill passed by the parliament.
The solutions Maldives have offered to long line fishing have also contributed to preventing illegal fisheries in the Indian Ocean, according to the EU. During the discussions, Minister Zaha asked the EU to exempt Maldives from export duties EU currently takes from fish products.
The meeting was also attended by senior officials from the ministry, staff of Maldives Mission to the EU, in addition to Minister Zaha.