Investment Forums are a Strong Start, Maldives Must Find Investors: Janah

Principal Advisor to the President on Trade and Investment Mohamed Ali Janah has said that investment forums are the beginning of the process of attracting investors for Maldives.

Speaking to Dhiyares about the investment forum held in Dubai yesterday, Janah said a large number of businessmen attended the meeting despite being invited to the forum quite last minute. The forum had 330 seats and the entire hall was filled. About 80 percent of the people who attended the meeting were foreign businessmen, he said.

"I think that's because of the confidence in the President and the policies of the current government. Then the President explained the economic situation in Maldives very well, and he gave a brief on all the major projects of the government.”

Janah further noted that yesterday’s forum was attended by businessmen from various sectors of the Emirates. Representatives of companies in the fields of digital economy, trade, tourism, and artificial intelligence participated in the forum. Heads of the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, the Emirates World Trade Center and other financial institutions were also present.

He added that investments can be brought to Maldives by reaching out to people and informing them about the opportunities available in Maldives. Former Sharjah Investment and Development Authority CEO Marwan bin Jassim Al-Sarkal explained how the UAE attracted investment in a similar way, he said.

The presence of the President and his large team of ministers at the forum is very reassuring and shows commitment to investors, Janah said, adding that investors want to see commitment, stability and momentum, which have been reflected in the investment forum.

Janah added that the process of finding investors will not end with a forum. A forum will not provide everything Maldives needs. However, such forums will facilitate these activities, he said, adding that the work of reaching out to people should be done without losing the momentum gained from the two events held this year.