President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has said that the public and private sector must work together to re-establish fisheries as the top driving force of the economy. He made the statement after inaugurating the Ensis Fish Processing Plant and Ice Plant at Hulhumale' this evening.
Speaking at the ceremony, President Solih noted that fisheries was the top industry in the country in days past, however industries such as tourism had preceded fisheries over the recent years. The President noted that the sector had been unable to cope with the increase in fisheries activities in the country.
Speaking at the event, President Solih highlighted that the economy suffers from a lack of fish processing capacity and the export of unprocessed fish. He further stressed that processing fish to add value to exported fisheries products maximizes profits and help fishermen receive better value for their catch. The President noted the Maldives fisheries sector had sustained for generations due to its environment-friendly model of pole and line fisheries.
Noting that Ensis is the first company to initiate fish processing operations in the Greater Male' area, President Solih applauded the efforts of Ensis in the development of the fisheries sector in the country.
President Solih also said that the government remains committed to addressing the needs of fishermen and will support the private sector in the advancement of fisheries in the country.
Following his remarks, the President toured the facility and observed the operations. The ceremony was attended by the senior management of Ensis Fisheries, the Minister of Fisheries, Marine Resources and Agriculture, Zaha Waheed, senior government officials and members of the Parliament.
The USD 25 million Fish Processing Plant in the Greater Male' region by Ensis Fisheries will offer more than 400 job opportunities for locals among which 175 are earmarked for women.
