Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company Limited (MIFCO) has announced that fish exports from Addu City will begin within the next month.

In a press release issued yesterday, MIFCO stated that they are working on developing the Addu Fisheries Complex to generate more profit. MIFCO said that currently, fish bought at the Addu Fisheries Complex is taken to the Kooddoo Complex in Huvadhoo Atoll for export.

"Instead of taking fish from Addu Atoll to Huvadhoo Atoll, we plan to start exporting directly from Addu Atoll within the next month. Additionally, efforts are underway to begin value-added fish processing in Addu this year," MIFCO said.

MIFCO stated that their biggest challenge at the moment is the delays in mandatory repair and maintenance of vessels used for fish purchasing, and the infrastructure, machinery, and other equipment used for operations. Therefore, MIFCO said they are working on essential and basic repairs and replacements.

MIFCO said that while prioritizing repair work, the management is working in various areas to increase the company's overall productivity.

To increase fish purchasing and storage capacity, MIFCO said they are making significant investments with government assistance through multilateral development finance.

MIFCO also stated that they are working to open and operationalize the fish purchasing center currently being built in Gd. Thinadhoo next year.

Furthermore, MIFCO said they are now preparing to start purchasing yellowfin tuna caught in the northern and southern regions of the Maldives.