Environment Minister Thariq Ibrahim have said that if Maldives is not careful in handling the chemicals imported to the country, the economy of Maldives might collapse as a result.
At a ceremony held at Central Hotel to inaugurate the National Chemical Profile of Maldives Thariq highlighted the importance of securely handling the chemicals imported to the country.
Thariq said that the expired chemicals should be disposed securely or else the environment will be damaged in an irrecoverable manner.
He further said that since Maldivian economy is based on fishing and tourism, if the environment is not protected the drastic effects on the economy as a result cannot be recovered.
In 2014, around 6000 tonne of chemicals were imported to Maldives. Most of them were used in boat building. Also a lot of chemical is imported by the tourism sector as well.
Thoriq said that necessary chemicals should be imported but the main aim of the government is to handle the chemicals properly. He said that the government has taken necessary steps to ensure careful maintenance of chemicals.
Maldivian economy might collapse if not careful about the chemical import: Thariq
