President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen the fisheries sector, stating that the Government is working to address long-standing challenges and support the industry's growth.

Speaking in the second episode of The Pulse podcast , which focused on the fisheries industry, the President outlined measures being taken to improve the sector and discussed progress achieved so far.

The President said efforts to streamline operations and improve efficiency at the Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company (MIFCO) have already produced positive results. He noted that the Government's aim is to maintain the fish purchase price at MVR 20 per kilogram and expressed hope that the rate could be increased further in the future.

He also expressed hope that the tariff exemption currently granted by the United Kingdom would continue and eventually become permanent, adding that efforts are ongoing to secure that outcome.

Addressing concerns raised by yellowfin tuna fishermen, the President said steps are being taken to resolve existing issues and noted that competitive and sustainable prices could be achieved through MIFCO's return to the yellowfin tuna market. He added that any decisions would be made in consultation with the fishing community.

The President also spoke about the decline in the number of people engaged in the fisheries sector, stating that excessive recruitment into State-owned enterprises had drawn workers away from the industry. He said ongoing reforms of State-owned enterprises are expected to have positive effects on the wider economy, including the fisheries sector.

Concluding his remarks, President Dr Muizzu said the Government remains committed to developing the fisheries industry and assured that obstacles to establishing a modern fish market in Malé City would be resolved. He also stressed that no one stands to benefit from obstructing efforts to fulfil the pledges made to the public.