President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom has expressed assurance that all endeavours of the Government to promote socioeconomic development and raise the living standards of the people will, in no way, jeopardize or threaten the independence and sovereignty of the Maldives. The President made this remark while speaking at the flag hoisting ceremony held on Saturday at Republic Square, on the occasion of the nation’s 49th Independence Day.
Underscoring that the contemporary challenges and threats to our independence is no longer the bullet of a mercenary’s gun, but are attacks focused at our economy and designed to impoverish our people, the President appealed all political parties and politicians to refrain from any activities that may jeopardize our economic development.
Speaking at the function, President Yameen asserted that the establishment of Special Economic Zones in strategic locations across our archipelago, features among the key economic manifesto pledges of his administration. In this regard, the President stated that the enactment of the proposed SEZ Act will raise investor confidence and thereby attract further foreign investment to the Maldives. Continuing in this regard, the President noted that it would also facilitate a large number of job opportunities, reduce the dependency of our economy on tourism, boost business and commerce in the Maldives, as well as improve standards of living and increase the circulation of foreign currency in our economy.
The President spoke of the major development projects being planned by the Government. Highlighting that the first and most important projects that the Government will embark upon will be the Ihavandhippolhu Integrated Development Project or iHavan, President Yameen noted that the project will be the gateway to the development of the northern atolls, bringing with it job opportunities and improved infrastructure and conveniences to the residents in the northern most atolls.
The President further spoke on the Government plans to developing and upgrading the Gan International Airport and the Hithadhoo Regional Port, with a view to boosting economy and business in Addu City. Furthermore, the President stressed on the massive Government project to develop the Ibrahim Nasir International Airport.
The President also emphasised the special priority attached by his Government to the wellbeing of the youth. In this regard, President Yameen underlined the Government vision to establish a Youth City in Hulhumale’.
President Yameen condemned the efforts of the self-interested few who have constantly called for tourism boycotts and for buyers to reject Maldivian fisheries products. Continuing further, the President reiterated the Government commitment to defeat these conspirators, and to promote a generation of peaceful and affluent young generation in the Maldives.
