Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources Ahmed Shiyam has emphasised the need for equal opportunities for all participants in the fish trade market. He made the remarks while speaking at the 18th Info Fish World Tuna Trade Conference and Exhibition.
Speaking at the conference, Minister Shiyam highlighted the significant challenges that developing countries, such as the Maldives, face in competing within the global market. He stressed the necessity of removing barriers that small developing nations encounter when trying to access international markets. He also detailed the government's initiatives to enhance surveillance and improve fisheries infrastructure to combat illegal fishing.
Additionally, Minister Shiyam underscored the detrimental impact of illegal fishing, noting that it threatens the livelihoods of fishermen and fishing-dependent communities. He pointed out that illegal fishing undermines the efforts of countries like the Maldives that are committed to sustainable fishing practices.
The Info Fish World Tuna Trade Conference and Exhibition took place alongside the High Level Ministerial Meeting on Sustainable Fisheries in Bangkok, Thailand, and was attended by fish traders and international organisations.