Minister of Economic Development and Trade Mohamed Saeed has stated that the cargo terminal of Velana International Airport (VIA) will be further expanded to reduce the Maldives' trade deficit.
At the new VIA cargo terminal inauguration ceremony, Minister Saeed said that President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has closely monitored the development of VIA and other crucial projects since assuming office, and even during the transition period. As such, he said President Muizzu has conducted a two-hour inspection at the airport and instructed the relevant parties to expedite the work.
The newly inaugurated cargo terminal has a 120,000-tonne cargo handling capacity. Minister Saeed said President Muizzu aims to further increase capacity to 300,000 tonnes to facilitate the arrival of more air cargo, emphasizing that the initiative would solve the country's trade deficit. He highlighted that the country imports USD226 million in goods while exporting USD20 million.
Additionally, Minister Saeed that the new cargo terminal has facilities to properly store goods such as fruits and vegetables frozen once they arrive at the airport. He also said that the VIA expansion project will increase the GDP from USD6 million USD12 million, expressing confidence that President Muizzu's vision will be achieved.