A yellowfin tuna processing factory is to be built in Hulhumale'.
At the press conference held at the President's Office, Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shiyam stated that the only solution to the demands of yellowfin tuna fishermen is the ability to purchase the fish from Hulhumale' and process it there itself.
He also stated that they are working to build the factory within this year and offer the service in the same time frame.
Shiyam told Mihaaru News that the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) has made arrangements for a 25,000 square foot plot along the Hulhumale' port for the construction of the factory.
Shiyam said that the project will be awarded under contract financing within the first week after Ramadan concludes, when government offices reopen.
The Kandu-oiy Giri factory, which has been in disuse, is to be made operational once more, with the purchase of yellowfin tuna heavier than 15 kilograms being made available in January 2026.
MIFCO CEO Farhath Shaheer stated previously that yellowfin tuna will be bought at a rate of MVR 25 within the Male' region. Farhath also said that skipjack tuna will also be bought.
"This is the beginning. In the coming days, we will hopefully establish our cold storage, ice acquisition services and fuel for fishermen," said Farhath while speaking to the media at Kandu-oiy Giri.
