Managing Director of State Trading Organisation (STO) Hussain Amr has stated Maldives needs to start producing staple food in the country, rather than depending on imported food items.
Speaking at a press conference, Managing Director Amr said the COVID-19 pandemic has underlined the importance of generating revenue through means other than tourism. He said increasing the production and revenue of fisheries and agriculture sectors would help to reduce the cash outflow of the country, by reducing the need to import food.
Speaking in this regard, the managing director noted STO is in efforts with the Ministry of Fisheries, Marine Resources and Agriculture to establish a facility to store, market and sell agricultural produce. Amr added STO plans to begin the production of rice and onions in Maldives, as well as flour after importing wheat. He reiterated Maldives needs to reduce the dependency on imported food items and begin producing staple food in the country.
While STO expressed interest to invest in agriculture, the organisation is also preparing to enter the shipping industry. Amr stated the organisation aims to provide essential services to the people of Maldives at low prices.