President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has said the government aims to maintain the fish purchase price at MVR 20 per kilogram, as part of its wider efforts to improve conditions in the fisheries sector.
Speaking during the second episode of The Pulse podcast series, released on Friday, President Muizzu said reforms at Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company have contributed to improvements in the sector. He linked the increase in the fish purchase price to changes in MIFCO’s capacity and management, while noting that further work is planned to expand storage and value-added fish processing.
The fisheries sector has faced long-running concerns over payment delays, storage limitations, processing capacity, and export conditions. President Muizzu said the state of the industry when he assumed office required changes to strengthen the role of MIFCO and improve the broader operating environment for fishermen.
He said the government intends to increase participation in fisheries across the country, while continuing work to restructure and streamline state-owned enterprises. These changes, he said, are expected to support the wider economy, including the fisheries industry.
President Muizzu also expressed hope that tariff concessions granted by the United Kingdom on Maldivian fish exports will continue. He said the government would work towards maintaining those concessions, which are relevant to the competitiveness of Maldivian fish products in an important export market.
The President said the administration is addressing economic pressures through a broader economic policy framework, with fisheries identified as one of the sectors requiring continued reform, investment, and operational improvement.
