President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has stated the refrigerated cargo ship acquired by the Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company (MIFCO) will allow fishermen to receive a higher price of their catch. He made the statement in a meeting with the members of the fishing community and business owners of Thimarafushi, Thaa Atoll.
During the meeting, President Solih addressed the concerns of the local fishing community and business owners and divulged information on the work being conducted by the government. President Solih said the COVID-19 pandemic has had a considerable effect on hindering the execution of these developmental projects.
The president highlighted the challenges faced by Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and said the government has provided support packages to the businesses affected by the pandemic. The country is now seeing economic recovery, he said, and asked for the public to support the government's continued efforts to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.
Speaking on the fisheries sector, President Solih said MIFCO is heavily investing in development and has acquired a refrigerated cargo ship to export fish products, to allow fishermen to sell their catch at fair prices.
MIFCO's new refrigerated cargo ship, which was purchased for 1.8 million US dollars, has a capacity of 2,500 tonnes and will be used for fish exports and storage.