Former President of the Maldives and Special Envoy of the President, His Excellency Dr Mohamed Waheed Hassan, reflected on the Maldives’ extraordinary capacity to adapt and endure, noting its evolution from a geographically isolated country with limited natural resources into one of the most iconic travel destinations in the world.
He delivered these remarks at the Maldives Tourism and Investment Forum in New York, where he presented a compelling case for investing in the Maldives, underscoring the nation's resilience, ongoing reforms, and ambitious long-term vision.
Speaking before an audience of investors and members of the tourism industry, Dr Waheed recalled how international institutions once dismissed the Maldives as highly vulnerable to global shocks, particularly after the 2008 financial crisis. However, the nation’s fast recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic overturned those predictions. He maintained that this was not simply luck but a testament to Maldivian exceptionalism, determination, and clarity of purpose.
While acknowledging the nation’s successful past, Dr Waheed clarified that the focus now is on the future. He mentioned the Vision 2040, a national development strategy introduced by His Excellency President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, aimed at elevating the Maldives to developed nation status by the 75th anniversary of its independence. As part of this vision, the Maldives is reorienting itself from a mono-sector economy to a resilient, diversified, and globally competitive one.
The President's Special Envoy, Dr Waheed, spoke of new efforts to redefine the financial sector, including creating the Maldives International Financial Centre supported by modern regulatory infrastructure. He also noted the Government’s initiatives to develop sustainable urban centres and enhance the fisheries sector through export-oriented strategies.
Dr Waheed assured investors that the Maldivian economy remains strong, with the International Monetary Fund forecasting a 5% growth rate this year. Fiscal reforms are in progress to ensure long-term stability and create an investment-friendly climate defined by trust and transparency.
He emphasised that the Maldives is focused on building an economy that safeguards sovereignty, upholds dignity, and empowers future generations. He invited the forum participants to consider the Maldives a strategic opportunity because it offers one of Asia’s most open and competitive investment markets.
Closing his address, Dr Waheed appealed to global partners to join the Maldives on its ambitious journey, stating, “If you are looking for a jurisdiction that moves with purpose, that is small but serious, that knows its value and invites you to grow with it, then we are ready to welcome you.”
