Sunday
24th Nov 2024
Dhivehi Edition
President Dr.Muizzu
Foreign Investors Expressed Restored Confidence in President Dr. Muizzu’s Government
President Dr. Muizzu speaks at the Invest Maldives Forum in Dubai.
The Investment Forum held at the Burj Al Arab in Dubai yesterday provided details of the potential areas of investment in Maldives, as well as the benefits of investment and the major projects undertaken and planned by the government. The forum was attended by investors from Dubai, South Asia and the UK.
After the official sessions of the forum, the local and foreign businessmen who attended the forum mingled and shared their experiences while some foreign businessmen shared their experiences and hopes with the journalists.
Reaching Out and Learning About Opportunities
One of the businessmen who spoke to Dhiyares on the occasion of the forum was Mohammed Afzal Sheema from Dubai. His family is wealthy from involvement in construction. Afzal, who works in the oil and energy industry, said he had previously thought that tourism was the only sector to invest in Maldives.
Mohamed Afzal Sheema and his father.
He said that among the projects presented and opportunities introduced at the forum, his interest was in the health sector. Noting that he had no prior knowledge of the possibility of investing in the sector in Maldives, Afzal said he thought it was a good field for his family to invest in as it is a field of service to humanity besides making a profit by investing.
"We used to hear that Maldives is a tourism destination. Today my whole vision has changed. I have learned that Maldives is not only about tourism and that a good investment can be made," he said.
Investors Did Not Receive Much Response from the Previous Government
Another businessman who met with reporters during yesterday's forum was Nipuna Wahalathanthrige, CEO of United Stars Group, a family business of UAE's first Foreign Minister Ahmed bin Khalifa al-Suwaidi.
He said his company has already submitted proposals to develop six airports in Maldives. He said the government has also expressed interest in building 500 smart housing units in Addu.
"We used to hear that Maldives is a tourism destination. Today my whole vision has changed. I have learned that Maldives is not only about tourism and that a good investment can be made," he said.
Investors Did Not Receive Much Response from the Previous Government
Another businessman who met with reporters during yesterday's forum was Nipuna Wahalathanthrige, CEO of United Stars Group, a family business of UAE's first Foreign Minister Ahmed bin Khalifa al-Suwaidi.
He said his company has already submitted proposals to develop six airports in Maldives. He said the government has also expressed interest in building 500 smart housing units in Addu.
Nipuna Wahalathanthrige speaks to Maldivian journalists.
Nipuna said his company had submitted a number of investment proposals to the previous government. However, the government did not show much interest in the proposals, he said.
In contrast, the government of President Dr. Muizzu has expressed interest in the company's investments. He said the current ministers are working very hard to facilitate these investments.
The difference between President Dr. Muizzu's government and the previous government is that it listens to investors' suggestions and gives them the opportunity to do what they are interested in. He said the government is working to create an easy environment for investors to operate while enforcing laws and regulations.
Hope for Tourism In Addu
Lawrence Leow, chairman and CEO of Crescendas Group, a Singaporean company that operates the Canareef Resort in Addu, said the current government's plans to expand tourism in Addu are expected to revive tourism in Addu.
Leow said the biggest obstacle to tourism development in Addu is the difficulty of access or travel to Addu. He noted that the government is working to address the issue.
In contrast, the government of President Dr. Muizzu has expressed interest in the company's investments. He said the current ministers are working very hard to facilitate these investments.
The difference between President Dr. Muizzu's government and the previous government is that it listens to investors' suggestions and gives them the opportunity to do what they are interested in. He said the government is working to create an easy environment for investors to operate while enforcing laws and regulations.
Hope for Tourism In Addu
Lawrence Leow, chairman and CEO of Crescendas Group, a Singaporean company that operates the Canareef Resort in Addu, said the current government's plans to expand tourism in Addu are expected to revive tourism in Addu.
Leow said the biggest obstacle to tourism development in Addu is the difficulty of access or travel to Addu. He noted that the government is working to address the issue.
Lawrence Leow speaks to Maldivian media.
Furthermore, Leow noted that the number of tourists coming to Maldives is increasing. He said that with the increased arrival of Chinese tourists in Maldives, Chinese tourists are now traveling to Addu as well.
While acknowledging that it will take time to resolve the difficulties in traveling to Addu, Leow said the increase in tourist arrivals would benefit resorts and guesthouses across the country.
He believes that the government's policies and economic projects will further expand Maldives’ tourism industry overall.
Foreign and local businessmen who attended the investment forum held yesterday exchanged various business talks, exchanged ideas and shared experiences. The talks suggested that the economy was moving in the right direction. There is confidence in the policies of President Dr. Muizzu.
While acknowledging that it will take time to resolve the difficulties in traveling to Addu, Leow said the increase in tourist arrivals would benefit resorts and guesthouses across the country.
He believes that the government's policies and economic projects will further expand Maldives’ tourism industry overall.
Foreign and local businessmen who attended the investment forum held yesterday exchanged various business talks, exchanged ideas and shared experiences. The talks suggested that the economy was moving in the right direction. There is confidence in the policies of President Dr. Muizzu.