President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih discussed the progress of Maldives’ fisheries sector, with the fisher community in Gaafaru island of Kaafu atoll, on Friday.

As part of his brief visit to the island to join the celebrations of the 41st National Fishermen’s Day, the president sat down with the fisher community of the island and engaged in discussions regarding the concerns revolving around the future of the island nation’s fishing industry.

As such, fishermen stressed the significance of having representatives for the sector at the Fisheries Promotion Board and went on to note other concerns including challenges in financing, banking, financing for imports and long waiting times at fish purchasing centers.

With this being shared, the fishers requested the government to explore ways to ease these difficulties, especially during the peak fishing seasons.

Listening to these concerns, the president noted that his administration welcomes the opinions and recommendations of all stakeholders in formulating policies in the respective areas and assured that the issues the fishermen raised would be addressed and resolved.

Vice President Faisal Naseem and members of the cabinet as well as senior officials of the government accompanied the president during the Gaafaru trip.