Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shiyam
Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shiyam
Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shiyam has stated that significant groundwork has been laid to drive the sustainable development of the Maldives' fisheries sector.

In an appearance on a PSM program, Minister Shiyam outlined recent government initiatives aimed at tackling some of the sector’s core challenges. He noted that a primary obstacle has been the lack of adequate cold storage, which impacts the preservation and timely export of fish. Addressing this issue is central to President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's vision for fisheries, with efforts already underway this term to expand storage facilities across the country.

Shiyam said substantial progress has been made, with various projects in motion and dedicated funding secured to support these goals, adding that these steps create a strong foundation for future growth in the industry.

The minister also highlighted that vessels involved in yellowfin tuna fishing currently hold capacities of 60 to 70 tonnes, emphasizing the need for robust storage solutions to accommodate the volume of fish. Shiyam further pointed to the Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company (MIFCO), which operates 8,500 facilities located in Kooddoo, Addu Hulhudhoo, Felivaru, and other strategic areas, as vital infrastructure supporting the industry.