President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has stated that the government’s decision to import essential food items through STO was not to enter general trade, but to ensure that citizens can obtain these items at the most reasonable prices. The President made these remarks during the “With the People” podcast.
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu decided on the 10th of this month that STO would bulk import and sell in the market the ten most commonly imported fruits and vegetables, as well as some other commonly used food items. Speaking on the “With the People” podcast, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu said that STO now needs to import not just staple foods, but that it is most beneficial for the citizens if STO also imports commonly used fruits and vegetables.
“We have analyzed all these matters with numbers, studied how it works thoroughly, and decided that this is the most beneficial approach for the citizens,” the President said. The President stated that the government wants to provide all services to the citizens at the best quality, and does not want citizens to face losses due to actions of others.
The President also mentioned that the decision to import and sell the most commonly imported fruits and vegetables through STO is part of the implementation of the policy outlined in his manifesto to establish food security in the Maldives. While the President has decided to bulk import and sell staple foods, fruits, vegetables, and items like eggs, coconuts, and flour through STO in the Maldivian market, the prices of some fruits and vegetables have increased in the market in recent days.
With the implementation of the President’s decision to import and sell items through STO, the prices of these goods in the market will be stabilized, and citizens will be able to obtain fruits and vegetables at affordable prices.
