President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom has assured that business prospects in Maldives are not limited.
Addressing the Business Leaders Forum held in Beijing as part of his current State Visit to China, President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom said that any many think that the Maldivian economy is small and therefore the business prospects are limited adding that he would however beg to differ on the observation as someone who has looked after the Maldives trade portfolio as a cabinet minister for many years. President Abdulla Yameen welcomed investments that will assist in economic transformation and assured that Maldives always welcomes foreign direct investments with open doors.
During the forum, President Yameen noted that there is no better time than this to invest in Maldives assuring the Government's commitment to improving the long-standing bilateral relations between the Maldives and China.
"There is no better time to invest in Maldives than now, investment opportunities are beckoning investors from China. Our doors will always remain open to FDI. Maldives will always work with China in the international arena on issues of mutual interest. Maldives has always looked to China as a global leader and an invaluable friend. We will continue to work with China to further strengthen and enhance the strong of our countries," said the President.
Furthermore, President Yameen said that many international investors in the Maldives who know the market well would vouch that the country is a luxurious destination famous for visits by high net-worth individuals. Highlighting the measures being taken by his administration to transform the Maldivian economy, President Yameen underscored the special initiatives of the Government underway, including the development of Hulhumale' Youth City and the development of Special Economic Zones. President Yameen also highlighted the contribution and support from China, in implementing the administraiton's transformational plans for the Maldivian economy.
President said that Maldives has witnessed an increase interest from Chinese investors in the last four years.
"Maldives has witnessed an increase interest from Chinese investors. As we speak, Chinese investments are underway in tourism industry. Chinese investment and support are vivid in major projects such as the construction of China-Maldives Friendship bridge, upgrading and expansion of our airport VIA, real estate and housing development projects in the youth city, just to name a few. In terms of tourist arrivals, China has last four years maintained the position as the most significant source market for arrivals. Last year we had over 324,000 Chinese arrivals. which is 3times more than the second largest single source market," said the President.
President Yameen attended the Business Leaders Forum as part of his state visit to China. Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohamed Asim, Minister of Economic Development, Mohamed Saeed, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and the Ambassador of Maldives to China Mohamed Faisal also participated in the forum.