Minister of Fisheries, Agriculture, and Ocean Resources Ahmed Shiyam has announced that Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company (MIFCO) will open an outlet in Addu City to expand its services in the southern region.

The minister announced while speaking at the campaign launch of Ahmed Saeed for the North Hithadhoo by-election.

Minister Shiyam said the new outlet will be opened within the next few days in the connected islands of Addu City to improve access to MIFCO products and services for fishermen and residents.

Highlighting challenges faced by fishermen in Addu, the minister noted difficulties in obtaining fuel and said the issue could be resolved if the city council allocates land adjacent to the Hithadhoo ice plant for the establishment of a State Trading Organization (STO) fuel shed.

He also stated that operating hours for fuel services in Gan have now been extended from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. to better support fishermen.

Responding to claims by the opposition regarding the United Kingdom’s decision to suspend tariffs on Maldivian fish products for two years, minister Shiyam said the current Administration played the key role in securing the decision.

The minister stated that reducing challenges faced by fishermen, including cutting tariffs on fish exports, was part of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s manifesto commitments.

The UK suspended tariffs on Maldivian fish products for two years starting from May 20, 2026.