The Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources has announced plans to construct a packing facility in Hulhumale' to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in exporting fish.
Speaking to PSM News, Director General of the Fisheries Ministry Dr. Hussain Sinaan revealed that the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) has provided funding for this project. He also highlighted ongoing discussions with the Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company Limited (MIFCO) regarding the operations of the facility.
Additionally, Dr. Sinaan emphasised that SMEs are among the few fish exporters in the Maldives, often relying on private fish exporting companies. He said that the new facility aims to assist these enterprises by developing the MIFCO facility in Hulhumale' and transferring its operations to a shareholder or union of rare fish exporters. Efforts are underway with MIFCO to establish the packing facility and address challenges in the fisheries sector.
Meanwhile, Minister of State for the Fisheries Ministry Mohamed Muthalib highlighted the limited opportunities for SMEs to export fish from the Maldives. He also said that the facility's purpose is to create more export opportunities and benefit a broader range of individuals within the fisheries sector.
The government is developing fish processing factories in three regions to enhance the fisheries sector. These include, Fiyoaree in Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll, Nilandhoo in Faafu Atoll, and the Felivaru Fisheries Complex. This initiative is a collaboration with China's Dongfeng Electronic Company, aiming to fully automate the facilities.