Visiting World Bank officials call on the President

Executive Director of the World Bank, Dr. Mirza Hassan, and the Vice President of the World Bank, Mr. Philippe Le Houérou, who are on review mission to the Maldives, have paid a courtesy call on President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom.

At the meeting held at the President’s Office this morning, the President briefed Dr. Hassan and Mr. Houérou on the Government’s economic and fiscal policies. He briefed the World Bank delegation on measures being implemented by the government towards fiscal stability, and outlined his vision to improve existing reserves. He also noted the initiative to lower MRR and attract foreign investment towards infrastructure projects outlined in the Government’s manifesto. Elaborating on the Government’s plans to develop economic growth cluster zones, the President said that the Government would prioritize youth employment and raising standards of living.

The visiting World Bank officials thanked the President for his valuable input, which they highlighted, would form the base of their future collaborations with the Maldives. They assured the President that the World Bank would continue to share their knowledge, expertise and resources with the Maldives, and would work closely with the Ministry of Finance and Treasury and the Maldives Monetary Authority, in the time ahead. They also informed the President of the ongoing efforts to formulate a long-term programme plan for the Maldives, which would complement the President’s economic growth commitments. They went on to note the importance of shore protection of Maldivian island communities, the establishment of safe and efficient waste disposal facilities across the nation, and the introduction of cleaner energy alternatives in catering for the growing demands of the population as featuring among key areas of focus in the country’s continued development. They also assured that MIGA and IFS would also continue to enhance their collaborations with the Maldives, particularly in attracting further foreign investment towards earmarked mega projects of the Government.

President Yameen was joined at this morning’s meeting by Hon. Abdulla Jihad, Minister of Finance and Treasury and Ministers at the President’s Office, Hon. Abdulla Ameen and Hon. Mohamed Hussain Shareef.