News

Public and private sectors must work together to drive fisheries back to the top of economy: President

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has said the public and private sector must work together to re-establish fisheries as the top driving force of the economy. He made the statement after inaugurating the Ensis Fish Processing Plant and Ice Plant at Hulhumale' this evening.

Speaking at the ceremony, President Solih noted fisheries was the top industry in the country in the past, although industries such as tourism has preceded fisheries over the recent years. He said the sector has been unable to cope with the increase in fisheries activities in the country.

President Solih said the economy suffers from a lack of fish processing capacity and the export of unprocessed fish. The president stressed that processing fish to add value to exported fisheries products maximizes profit and helps fishermen receive better value for their catches. He added the Maldivian fisheries sector had sustained for generations due to its environment-friendly model of pole and line fisheries.

Noting that Ensis is the first company to initiate fish processing operations in the Greater Male' area, the president applauded the efforts of Ensis in the development of the fisheries sector in the country. He assured the government remains committed to addressing the needs of fishermen and will support the private sector in the advancement of fisheries in the country.

Following his remarks, President Solih toured the facility and observed the operations. The ceremony was attended by the senior management of Ensis Fisheries, Minister of Fisheries, Marine Resources and Agriculture Zaha Waheed, senior officials of the administration and parliamentarians.