Minister of Fisheries, Agriculture and Ocean Resources Ahmed Shiyam has said that Government policies aimed at strengthening the fisheries sector are beginning to deliver positive results.

Responding to questions from Members of Parliament, Minister Shiyam said the Government had shifted its focus towards expanding fisheries infrastructure and increasing fish export capacity, arguing that previous administrations had prioritised subsidies over long-term investment in the sector.

The Minister noted that while the Felivaru fish processing facility has been in operation for around 40 years, little had been done to increase the country's processing capacity. He said projects currently underway across the Maldives are expected to triple the existing processing capacity of 105 tonnes.

Minister Shiyam also said the Government has strengthened MIFCO's operations, enabling the company to purchase fish without requiring Government subsidies. He noted that under the previous administration, fish purchase prices were increased to MVR 25 per kilogram, while the State subsidised MIFCO at MVR 13 per kilogram, costing around MVR 1 billion. He questioned whether those funds could instead have been invested in expanding fisheries infrastructure.

The Minister further revealed that a 100-metric tonne fish processing plant in Hulhumalé has been contracted to a private company as part of efforts to expand processing capacity. The facility is expected to be completed within 18 months.

Minister Shiyam said the Government remains committed to developing the fisheries sector through the combined participation of both the public and private sectors, adding that the impact of the current policies is already becoming visible.