Minister of Economic Development and Trade Mohamed Saeed has vowed to commence the iHavan project. He made the remark while responding to questions in Parliament.
The iHavan project aims to make the Maldives a hub for international shipping lines carrying trillions of dollars' worth of goods annually near the northernmost Ihavandhippolhu Atoll. The project was one of the largest economic development projects planned by the previous Progressive Party of the Maldives (PPM) government. At the time, Minister Saeed oversaw the completion of the masterplan.
Responding to questions on whether he would resume the iHavan project, Minister Saeed said that the new government has decided to begin the project. He said preparations have been made to establish bunkering services in the region and that the government is ready to establish services in any area where international shipping lines pass through.
Boston Consulting Group (BCG), one of the world's largest consultancy firms, has conducted a study in Ihavandhoppolhu to determine whether it is a suitable location for the project. As such, detailed research was conducted by talking to shipbuilding companies as well as bunkering and docking service providers. He expressed confidence that the project will generate significant revenue for the Maldives.
Additionally, Minister Saeed acknowledged that previous governments had worked on the iHavan project but that work began on an official capacity after the project was branded in 2014. He vowed to closely oversee the project, which will include the establishment of bunkering services and other commercial projects.
Furthermore, Minister Saeed assured that the new administration will continue the Hanimaadhoo International Airport development project. The project to develop an international airport in the northern region commenced during the previous government.