President: delays occur because projects must be planned for economic advancement

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu stated today that he wants to deliver good news regarding the development of the fisheries industry only after completing the work sincerely and fully, and he does not want it to be merely an announcement.

Speaking at a meeting held in R. Dhuvaafaru to listen to the complaints and concerns of fishermen, coinciding with this year's Fishermen's Day official ceremony, the President said he does not wish to start anything that cannot be sustained or to make something a mere announcement.

The President explained that some projects are delayed because they are matters that need to be carefully considered and executed in a way that ensures economic advancement.

"I want this industry to genuinely move forward," he said.

President Muizzu acknowledged that he has heard the concerns of the fishermen in various forums and assured them that positive solutions will be implemented. He stressed that no complaint or concern from the fishermen would be dismissed as trivial talk.

The President affirmed his desire to advance the fisheries industry, stating that the most important element for this is the ideas and consultation of the people working within the industry.

The President further elaborated that some initiatives can only be undertaken when the Maldivian economy is ready for them. He mentioned that some projects involve foreign loans and aid, and the completion of these has taken a long time.

He clarified that the delays were not due to any intentional wrongdoing or neglect by the government or the external parties. "It is simply the due process that must be followed. It is not unique to the fisheries industry. Matters linked to foreign aid and foreign loans are things that conclude after those parties proceed step-by-step according to the established procedure," the President said.

The President noted that such processes led to delays in establishing ice plants and starting factory construction in some islands. However, he confirmed that the stage of processing foreign loans or aid is now complete, and many projects are at the point where practical work is about to begin.

President Muizzu concluded by saying, "Some matters are also being advanced by the government spending a lot of money. Therefore, different things take different amounts of time for that reason. It is absolutely not a matter of carelessness or neglecting this industry."

The official ceremony for this year's Fishermen's Day will be held in Dhuvaafaru tonight. The President mentioned that he will speak in detail about several matters concerning the fishermen at that ceremony.