President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has vowed to formulate a 20-year master plan to implement his vision for the development of the Maldives.
He made the announcement at the ceremony held to inaugurate a megaproject to develop Velana International Airport (VIA). At the ceremony, President Muizzu said the project will significantly boost the country's tourism and business sectors and its fieldwork will be conducted simultaneously with the current project at VIA.
Additionally, President Muizzu said he will formulate a master plan to implement his vision for the development of the entire country and give it special legal authority. He said that it would be a comprehensive plan for national social and economic development, setting the course for progress for citizens over the next 20 years. He expressed hope that the Parliament would pass the laws necessary to give the master plan special legal authority.
Furthermore, President Muizzu highlighted other planned development projects, such as the relocation of the Male' Commercial Harbour to Thilafushi. He said that the project to develop an international commercial port in Thilafushi and the airport development project will pave the way for more opportunities for citizens.
Moreover, President Muizzu reiterated his initiative to use the land being reclaimed in the Thilafushi area for residential housing. He also said that 100 hectares of land will be allocated for the Maldives Industrial Development Free Zone for its operation for the large-scale importation of goods from neighbouring countries and re-export them to optimise profits. He said that the land area will be designated as a re-export international Special Economic Zone in order to expand the economy.