The Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources has held high-level discussions with senior officials from the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD), aimed at accelerating the development of critical infrastructure in the Maldives’ fisheries sector. The consultations were a central feature of the Saudi Fund delegation’s ongoing visit to the country.
According to the Ministry, the talks centred on enhancing key infrastructure needed to support and modernise the fishing industry, a vital economic pillar of the Maldives. The discussions also included a review of ongoing projects supported by the Saudi Fund, with an emphasis on strengthening their impact and identifying new avenues for collaboration to expand capacity and improve operational efficiency.
Currently, eight major infrastructure projects are being implemented with the support of the Saudi Fund. Notable among them is the expansion of the harbour at the Kooddoo Fisheries Complex in Gaafu Alifu Atoll, a project overseen by the Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company (MIFCO). Additionally, the initiative includes the construction of ice plants on five islands and the development of cold storage facilities on two islands, designed to improve the overall supply chain and product preservation in the fisheries sector.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to deepening cooperation with the Saudi Fund, recognising the strategic importance of such partnerships in achieving sustainable growth for the country’s blue economy.