Fishing must be re-established as the top driving force of the Maldives economy, says President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Ensis Fish Processing Plant and Ice Plant in capital city Malé’s suburban extension Hulhumalé on Monday, Solih urged the public and private sectors to work together in to mount the fisheries sector to the top.
Noting that fisheries was the top industry for the country’s economy in the past, Solih stressed that it was overtaken by tourism over recent years.
Further, he stressed that the economy “suffers” from lack of fish processing capacity and the export of unprocessed fish and added that processing fish to add value to exported products maximizes profits, in turn helping fishermen get a better value for their catch.
Maldives fisheries sector sustained for generations due to its environment-friendly model of pole and line fisheries. The government remains committed to addressing the needs of fishermen and will support the private sector in the advancement of fisheries in the country”President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih
Highlighting that Ensis is the first ever company to process fish in the Greater Malé Region, the president commended its efforts to develop the sector.
During his visit to inaugurate the facility, the president also toured and observed the operations carried out there. He was joined by senior management at the facility, Minister of Fisheries, Marine Resources and Agriculture, Zaha Waheed as well as top government officials and parliamentarians.
A USD 25 million Fish Processing Plant, Ensis Fisheries is expected to offer over 400 job opportunities for locals among which 175 are allocated for women.
