President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has pledged to solve the main challenges and issues facing the fisheries sector of Maldives by mid-2023.

He said this while speaking to the fisher community of Faresmaathoda island in Gaaf Dhaal atoll on Sunday.

The president arrived in Faresmaathoda island on a brief visit to attend the festivities to commemorate the National Fishermen’s Day, on Sunday.

The meeting saw President Solih briefed regarding the concerns facing the fishermen, including challenges to sales and delayed payments as well as difficulties in acquiring ice and fuel.

Some other topics discussed include challenges in using satellite phones and banking limitations.

President Solih noted that past governments had failed to cater to the fishermen’s community’s needs despite the development and progress of fishing vessels, adding that only minimal efforts have been made over the past 10 – 12 years to further develop the sector.

Shedding light on the incumbent administration’s efforts to develop the industry, President Solih assured that the results of these efforts will be seen soon and that solutions will be brought to the main issues facing the sector, by mid-2023.

President Solih also touched upon the ongoing projects to upgrade and increase the capacity of fish processing plants.

He also expressed gratitude to the fishermen for their support of the celebrations in Faresmaathoda to mark the 42nd National Fishermen’s Day.

The Ministry of Fisheries, Marine Resources and Agriculture hosted several activities to mark the occasion, in collaboration with the island council.