His Excellency, Munu Mahawar, Indian High Commissioner to the Maldives,
Ministers,
Representative of FICCI, CCI and ASSOCHAM
Distinguished business delegates,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Assalaam alaikum, and a very good afternoon.
I am pleased to be here today in Bengaluru – the garden city, during my state visit to India.
The partnership between the Maldives and India, is rooted in mutual commitment to progress and innovation, values that guide us as we look to the future with optimism and shared purpose.
As the Maldives stands on the brink of a digital revolution, we look to India as a leader in technology and innovation. Our collaborative endeavours in enhancing our digital infrastructure are poised to yield transformative results for our nations.
We are pleased by the integration of wallet-based payment solutions and other digital financial services, which promise to modernize our economy and expand financial inclusion.
Earlier this week, we celebrated the launch of the RuPay card in the Maldives—an important milestone in our journey towards a more interconnected economic landscape.
This initiative stands as a testament to our vision for easing trade and bolstering the growth of Small and Medium Enterprises through streamlined transactions and enhanced access to global financial and e-commerce platforms.
At the UN General Assembly few weeks ago, I reiterated our dedication to multilateralism and climate action. The Maldives will continue to champion ambitious climate initiatives and digital advancements to ensure the prosperity and resilience of our people.
This aligns with our vision expressed at the UN, where we emphasized the urgent need for a multilateral system that effectively address global challenges such as climate change, technological integration, and economic inclusivity.
One of the key areas of my administration is the extension of creative economy in the Maldives.
To facilitate this, we have launched the Maldives Creative Economic Strategy, with the aim to invigorate our creative sectors, from technology-driven industries to arts and media.
As I highlighted in Delhi two days ago, Maldives stands at the edge of the digital revolution and we are working on embedding it in all sectors, including higher education.
I believe that Maldives stands to gain significantly from higher education collaborations, particularly in ICT by leveraging the expertise and resources in Bengaluru, the Silicon Valley of India.
By fostering strong ties with Bengaluru’s educational institutions and tech companies, Maldives can accelerate its progress in building technological resilience and shorten the learning curve in this endeavour.
We have continued to invest in further development of our healthcare system but there are several key areas where investment is crucial to meet future healthcare demands, enhance service quality, and tackle emerging health challenges.
I encourage healthcare experts to explore technology-based services and other such areas as we expand the healthcare coverage in the Maldives.
Let us move forward together, harnessing India’s advanced technological expertise and the strategic position of the Maldives to forge a sustainable and innovative future.
Distinguished guests,
The Maldives, with its pristine beaches and vibrant marine life, is not only a paradise for tourists but also a beacon for sustainable development.
As a nation highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, we are committed to renewable energy solutions and climate resilience. We invite Indian investors to join us in this transformative journey.
By leveraging India’s expertise and technological advancements in renewable energy, together we can create a sustainable future that benefits both our nations. Investing in the Maldives means contributing to a global effort to combat climate change while tapping into a market ripe with opportunities for innovation and growth.
I also have made a pledge to ensure the digital economy of the country counts for 15% of the Maldives' GDP by 2030. In order to reach this target, we invite Indian investors to explore the potential of our growing digital economy and artificial intelligence sector.
By investing in the Maldives, you can leverage our strategic location, young and dynamic workforce, and supportive government policies aimed at fostering technological growth.
Together, we can drive forward cutting-edge solutions that not only enhance our digital infrastructure but also create new opportunities for economic development.
Distinguished guests,
The Maldives is an ideal location for Indian investments due to its close proximity and numerous similarities that foster a conducive business environment. Geographically, the Maldives is just a short flight away from India, making it convenient for business travel and logistics.
This proximity also facilitates stronger cultural and economic ties, as both nations share historical connections and similar cultural values, which can ease the process of establishing and maintaining business relationships.
Our shared efforts will undoubtedly drive prosperity, creativity, and closer ties between our peoples.
Before I conclude my state visit, I wish to sincerely thank the Government of India, the business community and everyone involved in making this visit a successful one.
Thank you for your warm hospitality and I hope I see many of you in the Maldives soon.