A workshop series held on facilitating the development of a creative economy in the Maldives and creating opportunities for entrepreneurs in the tourism sector has concluded. The workshop was held from 1 to 6 July at Barcelo Nasandhura in Male’ City.
The workshops were organised by the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade, with the technical assistance of Asian Development Bank (ADB), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the British Council. Around 50 individuals, including technical experts from government ministries, relevant agencies, institutions and businesses participated in the sessions every day, according to the Economic Ministry.
The initiative aimed to foster dialogue, knowledge-sharing, and innovation in support of inclusive and sustainable economic growth. In-depth discussion on the steps necessary to achieve the government’s strategic goals were held as part of the initiative, as well as discussions on increasing the profitability of both the tourism and trade sector in the production of goods and services for the tourism industry, and in conducting business transactions.
Speaking to PSM News, Deputy Minister of Economic Development and Trade, Dr Aishath Shahudha Abdulla said the initial phase of the workshop involved bringing together producers and workers under a shared platform to engage in discussions.
"We brought together 14 individuals from the tourism sector, and 20 individuals from the creative industry and held discussions. These discussions also generated business ideas. It is uncommon in these industries for one creator to collaborate with another in solving existing challenges. Therefore, we focused on linking one industry to the other,” Dr Shahudha explained.
The workshop sought input from government institutions and agencies to seek solutions to the key challenges facing the industries.
ADB, which provided technical assistance for the workshop, also noted that the views of various stakeholders were received during the workshop. ADB further stressed the importance of jointly promoting creative industries.
Establishing a creative economy in the Maldives is an important policy of the government. President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has expressed confidence that his administration will achieve its target of increasing the creative industry's contribution to 15 percent of the nation's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ahead of the original 2030 deadline.