President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has stated Maldivians need to have a say in regulating the export rates of the products in the international market, to ensure that Maldivians acquire fair value for fish exports.
Addressing the function held at Dharubaaruge' to commemorate the 39th National Fisherman's Day, President Solih emphasised fish products from Maldivian pole and line fishing is valuable work and has a much higher international market value. The president also stated the current fisheries export rates are determined by the international companies and that the government can work together with fisheries sector investors to reform current rates and acquire fair value for the products.
President Solih also spoke on several impediments and challenges faced by Maldivians in developing the fisheries industry. He stated the condition of the fisheries sector was in a downward spiral at the inception of his administration, due to inadequate policymaking from previous governments. He noted fish purchase capacity from fisheries companies could not accommodate the catch during the high fishing season, and fishing vessels also had difficulties in acquiring necessities like ice, diesel and water during that time.
Emphasising the discrepancies in the demand and supply chain, President Solih urged for more fisheries facility investments to accommodate the fish catch from Maldivian seas. In this regard, the president indicated the new fisheries policy converges on assisting and encouraging more private sector investments in the industry. He also expounded on the major modifications which have been brought to the administration's fisheries policy, including the removal of exclusivity afforded to certain companies to allow other fisheries companies in the business to also purchase the catch.
The president highlighted the subsidies provided to fisheries industry members and the continuing developmental projects in the industry.