The Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company Limited (MIFCO) and the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare have held discussions on potential agricultural developments. The meeting took place at the MIFCO head office building in Male’ City.
During the consultation meeting, MIFCO outlined plans to assess its sites for agricultural potential, explore ways to expand operations, and develop a comprehensive work plan. The company also considered increasing livestock, such as goats and chickens, at its Felivaru and Kooddoo Fisheries Complexes. In addition, discussions included the practical steps for expanding agricultural activities in Funadhoo, Gaafu Alifu Atoll, and providing technical agricultural training, particularly for MIFCO employees.
Senior officials from the Ministry of Agriculture assured MIFCO of full support, including help with identifying and addressing issues related to crops, livestock, and disease management at MIFCO sites. The possibility of offering technical assistance from the ministry to enhance and expand these agricultural facilities was also discussed.
MIFCO noted that farming on its sites reduces food costs for employees and generates revenue through the sale of livestock. The company employs approximately 2,000 individuals.
MIFCO, Agriculture Ministry discuss potential agricultural developments
Development of three fish processing plants will begin this year: Fisheries Minster
Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources, Ahmed Shiyam has announced that the development of fish processing plants in three regions of the Maldives will begin this year. He made this announcement during aceremony held to launch the revised loan project for installing saltwater fish cooling systems on fishing boats.
During the ceremony, Minister Shiyam highlighted that fishermen often have to sell their catch at unprofitable prices, which is a significant challenge in the fishing industry and leads to financial losses. To address this issue, he emphasised that efforts are underway to ensure fair pricing for fish products and to facilitate profitable exports. The three new processing plants are part of this initiative, with practical work on the facilities set to commence this year.
Minister Shiyam mentioned that currently, about 110 metric tonnes of fish are processed daily. With the new plants, this capacity is expected to rise to approximately 300 metric tonnes, which he believes will enhance income from skipjack tuna.
According to statistics shared by the Minister, successful fish exports can generate between USD 92 million and USD 95 million in revenue. With the establishment of the new factories, he anticipates that this figure could potentially double.
Minister Saeed hopeful to include Maldivian cuisine on international airlines
Minister of Economic Development and Trade, Mohamed Saeed has expressed his aspiration to see Maldivian cuisine featured on international airline menus. He made the remarks during the opening ceremony of Food and Hospitality Asia Maldives (FHAM) 2024.
Highlighting the importance of culinary representation, Minister Saeed noted that airlines typically offer diverse flight menus for both business and economy class passengers, often including dishes from various countries and regions. Despite the growing tourism sector in the Maldives, he pointed out that Maldivian dishes have yet to be incorporated into any airline menus. He encouraged the hospitality sector to take the initiative in promoting local cuisine.
FHAM stands as one of the premier events dedicated to showcasing tourism services and products, drawingnumerous individuals and companies from the hospitality industry each year. This year’s event features 120 stalls and has drawn participation from over 600 contestants to the culinary challenge, representing both Maldivian and international entities.
FHAM 2024 is scheduled to take place from 23 to 25 September, running daily from 1000hrs to 1900hrs, with the final day open to the public.
MSS expands feeder service to Indonesia
Maldives State Shipping (MSS) has decided to launch its new feeder service to Indonesia, enhancing its operational reach in the region.
This service will connect Belawan, Indonesia, with Port Klang, Malaysia, and Colombo, Sri Lanka. The voyages will be conducted using MSS’s own vessel, the MSS Graphene. This expansion follows the successful initiation of MSS’s feeder service to Malaysia in July of the previous year.Once the goods arrive in Colombo, they will be seamlessly transported to the Maldives via MSS’s established Colombo-Male’ shipping routes. Chief Commercial Officer of MSS, Thaharath Mohamed, noted that the new route has already garnered a positive response, with 70% of the first trip successfully completed.
MSS operates a fleet of five ships and provides cargo services from Malaysia to Colombo, as well as from Colombo to Male’ and from Dubai to Male’. Additionally, MSS offers scheduled trips from Male’ to Addu. With agents in over 30 ports globally and a capacity of more than 2,500 containers, MSS is well-equipped to facilitate the importation of goods to the Maldives from anywhere in the world.
This strategic expansion underscores MSS’s commitment to enhancing connectivity and service efficiency in the maritime sector.
EPA permits dredging of two areas for land reclamation of Rasmale’
The Environment Protection Agency (EPA) has permitted the dredging and collection of sand from two areas for the land reclamation of Rasmale’.
The areas for which EPA granted permits are situated to the west of Maafushi, Kaafu Atoll. In addition to these two locations, EPA announced that an area near Ithaafushi Resort is also designated for dredging. EPA issued permits to dredge these locations for a period of six months, to reclaim 562 hectares of land. Housing Development Corporation (HDC) contracted the dredging of these locations to Mohan Mutha Exports Private Limited and China Railway Construction Corporation.
Practical works pertaining to the Rasmale’ Project officially commenced on 18 December. Although the government initially planned to complete the land reclamation of Rasmale’ within ten months, it revealed that adjustments were being made to the plan following unforeseen challenges which caused delays.
The Rasmale’ Project will see the reclamation of 1,153 hectares of land, with plans to accommodate 65,000 housing units. The government stated that Rasmale’ will be developed as an Eco-City, aligning with the government’s vision of sustainable urban growth.
PG highlights importance working with ACC towards the same goal
Prosecutor General Justice (rtd) Abbas Shareef has emphasised the importance of the Prosecutor General’s Office (PG Office) and the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) working towards the same goal, to resolve corruption cases successfully. The remarks were made by the prosecutor general, in a meeting held with ACC President Adam Shamil.
In the meeting held at the ACC, President of ACC Shamil congratulated Justice Abbas on his appointment as Prosecutor General. During the discussion, Justice Abbas reiterated the PG Office’s full support for the ACC’s anti-corruption efforts, emphasising the necessity for both institutions to work collaboratively to successfully resolve court cases. He indicated that the PG Office is prepared to enhance support, including the recruitment of additional prosecutors and investigators, to bolster the investigation of corruption cases. He also urged the ACC to expedite such investigations.
The PG Office disclosed that the ACC contributes to several of the cases filed with the PG Office. As such, five cases from the ACC have been filed with the court after investigations. Additionally, it stated that 11 cases have been submitted by the ACC to the Duty Prosecution.
Since assuming the role of Prosecutor General, Justice Abbas has been engaging individually with senior officials from various institutions within the criminal justice system. He has met with Police Commissioner Ali Shujau on 22 September, as well as with the Attorney General.