The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has called on the government to provide an immediate solution to the concerns of the fishermen. In a statement, the MDP emphasized the need for extensive consultation with fishermen and industry stakeholders before issuing any permits related to the sector.
The MDP criticized the first Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) government for allegedly selling the seas to foreign parties under the guise of lane fishing, leading to numerous violations of laws, regulations, and international treaties in Maldivian waters. The MDP highlighted that, in response to concerns raised by fishermen, it had halted lane fishing in July 2019.
The MDP also urged the government to continue projects initiated during their administration to expand the fishing industry. These projects include doubling the capacity of the Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company (MIFCO) with new cold storage facilities across the country.
Furthermore, the MDP highlighted that negotiations for a free trade agreement with the UK had begun under their government. However, they accused the current administration of delaying this agreement under the pretext of expanding its scope, and called for its immediate establishment.
Regarding Maldives' membership in the Organization of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS), the MDP noted that this was aimed at facilitating duty cuts on Maldivian fish exports to the European Union. They urged the government to expedite discussions with the EU to secure these duty reductions.
The MDP criticized the government for failing to fulfill its promises to the fishermen and demanded that all outstanding payments be made before Eid. This statement comes amidst ongoing protests by fishermen, led by the Bodu Kanneli Masveringe Union, against the government's efforts to permit lane fishing.
The MDP criticized the first Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) government for allegedly selling the seas to foreign parties under the guise of lane fishing, leading to numerous violations of laws, regulations, and international treaties in Maldivian waters. The MDP highlighted that, in response to concerns raised by fishermen, it had halted lane fishing in July 2019.
The MDP also urged the government to continue projects initiated during their administration to expand the fishing industry. These projects include doubling the capacity of the Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company (MIFCO) with new cold storage facilities across the country.
Furthermore, the MDP highlighted that negotiations for a free trade agreement with the UK had begun under their government. However, they accused the current administration of delaying this agreement under the pretext of expanding its scope, and called for its immediate establishment.
Regarding Maldives' membership in the Organization of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS), the MDP noted that this was aimed at facilitating duty cuts on Maldivian fish exports to the European Union. They urged the government to expedite discussions with the EU to secure these duty reductions.
The MDP criticized the government for failing to fulfill its promises to the fishermen and demanded that all outstanding payments be made before Eid. This statement comes amidst ongoing protests by fishermen, led by the Bodu Kanneli Masveringe Union, against the government's efforts to permit lane fishing.
