Takehiko Nakao, President of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has paid a courtesy call on President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.
During the meeting held at the President’s Office, President Solih thanked the ADB president for all that the organisation has done for the Maldives since 1978. Over the years, ADB has been one of the most important development partners of Maldives, proving a boon to the socio-economic development efforts of Maldives across every meaningful sphere.
President Solih and President Nakao discussed ways of taking forward engagements into the future, including through the provision of small grants and loans at concessional rates by ADB to Maldives to facilitate development in the nation's most important economic sectors, including tourism and fisheries.
The ADB president highlighted it is essential that revenue generated from tourism is equitably distributed among the Maldivian population and that all citizens are able to avail themselves through this particular industry’s economic benefits. He highlighted towards this end, it is important to strengthen the guest house industry of Maldives.
Further, both President Solih and President Nakao discoursed on ways of ensuring that future development occurs sustainably, responsibly and in harmony with natural blessings of Maldives.
The meeting concluded on a highly positive note, with the ADB president noting the sound economic ideas shaping the policies of the administration, thereby giving the ADB confidence the future development schemes in Maldives will prove to be fruitful.