Minister of Economic Affairs, Fayyaz Ismail has said that the cargo ferry between Indian and the Maldives will be bringing in the goods purchased by Maldivian merchants.

In response to the criticism by opposition coalition and some local merchants for the ferry service that began between Kochi, India and Kulhudhuffushi City yesterday, Minister Fayyaz said that the cargo ferry will be bringing in goods bought by Maldivian merchants.

He said that this would benefit the Maldivian businesses and the difference between the cargo ferry service and other cargo vessels is that this would be a scheduled service.

Speaking at the virtual inauguration of the ferry service, Transport Minister, Aishath Nahula said that the fact that the ferry from India is arriving at Kulhudhuffushi City shows the development that has come to the northern atolls and the government’s commitment to strengthen the economy through local governance.

While the ferry service has begun between India and the Maldives, the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation has said that the vessel that is coming from India is larger than the Kulhudhuffushi Harbor can accommodate. And so as a solution to the problem, State Shipping has decided to use a barge to unload the cargo.