President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has stated that delays in some projects within the fisheries sector are not due to government neglect but rather stem from the necessity to approach these initiatives with careful economic foresight to ensure their long-term advancement.

Speaking at the Fishermen's Forum held today in R. Dhuvaafaru in conjunction with Fishermen's Day, the President elaborated that certain commitments in his manifesto are contingent upon the readiness of the Maldivian economy. He also noted that several projects are linked to external loans.

The President highlighted that ongoing projects in Kooddoo, along with other initiated or planned projects elsewhere, are dependent on foreign assistance. Consequently, completing these endeavors often requires a considerable amount of time.

"This is not due to any mismanagement by the government or the involved parties. It is simply part of the standard due process and is not exclusive to the fisheries industry," he affirmed.

President Muizzu explained that delays in commencing operations for ice plants and some factories were primarily due to their reliance on foreign aid. However, he confirmed that many of these projects have now been completed and have entered their operational phases, with practical work already underway for a significant number of them.

"This is by no means an indication of negligence towards this industry, nor has it been abandoned. The extended time taken for some of these matters is due to the economic considerations involved in their progression. These are matters that need to be undertaken with a focus on fostering economic growth," he emphasized.

The President further assured that the opinions and concerns expressed by fishermen would not go unheeded, and the government is diligently working to address them.