The government will transfer all ice plants currently managed by Fenaka Corporation to the Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company (MIFCO) by the 15th of this month, Fisheries and Marine Resources Minister Ahmed Shiyam announced during today's Parliament session.
Shiyam stated that the initial decision to hand over the ice plants to Fenaka was a poor one, as the corporation lacked the capacity to operate them effectively. He explained that when the current administration took office, several ice plants were in an unusable condition.
The minister assured that the handover process would be completed by mid-month, as the government remains committed to improving the fisheries sector. He highlighted that the fishing industry has shown significant improvement this year compared to 2023 and 2024, and the government would prioritize further development in the coming years.
Shiyam outlined several initiatives aimed at supporting fishermen, including loans of up to MVR 700,000 with a 10-year repayment period at a five percent interest rate. He also noted that special fishing boats would be established in 36 locations across the Maldives this year, and a study is underway to develop a designated viewpoint for sports fishing.
Addressing concerns about fish pricing, Shiyam acknowledged that MIFCO now buys frozen fish at MVR 16 per kilogram and unfrozen fish at MVR 14 per kilogram, compared to MVR 22 per kilogram when the current administration took office.
The minister expressed optimism about the future, assuring fishermen that the government would prioritize easing operational challenges and ensure better support for their livelihoods.
Shiyam stated that the initial decision to hand over the ice plants to Fenaka was a poor one, as the corporation lacked the capacity to operate them effectively. He explained that when the current administration took office, several ice plants were in an unusable condition.
The minister assured that the handover process would be completed by mid-month, as the government remains committed to improving the fisheries sector. He highlighted that the fishing industry has shown significant improvement this year compared to 2023 and 2024, and the government would prioritize further development in the coming years.
Shiyam outlined several initiatives aimed at supporting fishermen, including loans of up to MVR 700,000 with a 10-year repayment period at a five percent interest rate. He also noted that special fishing boats would be established in 36 locations across the Maldives this year, and a study is underway to develop a designated viewpoint for sports fishing.
Addressing concerns about fish pricing, Shiyam acknowledged that MIFCO now buys frozen fish at MVR 16 per kilogram and unfrozen fish at MVR 14 per kilogram, compared to MVR 22 per kilogram when the current administration took office.
The minister expressed optimism about the future, assuring fishermen that the government would prioritize easing operational challenges and ensure better support for their livelihoods.
