Maldives News Bulletin - Volume 131

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Moosa Zameer, has departed to the the United Arab Emirates (UAE), on the invitation of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the UAE, His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. 

The visit will be held from the 2nd to the 4th of September. Minister Zameer is to engage in high-level discussions with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the UAE, His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan and other senior officials of the Government of the UAE.

Minister’s visit is an important step forward in strengthening bilateral relations between the Maldives and the UAE.

Minister Zameer is accompanied by Ambassador-at-Large, Ahmed Naseer; Secretary, Bilateral, Dr. Hala Hameed; and Joint Secretary, Mariyam Reesha.

^{Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs}

Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer has sent warm greetings and good wishes to Bùi Thanh Sơn, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam on the joyous occasion of the National Day of Viet Nam. 

In his message to the Foreign Minister, Minister Zameer extended extend warm felicitations and good wishes to the Minister, Government and people of Viet Nam.

He added that he was confident that the close and friendly ties between the Maldives and Viet Nam will strengthen in the years to come.  Minister Zameer also said that he looked forward to working with the Minister to enhance the cooperation and friendship between the two countries for the mutual benefit of the citizens of the two nations. 

^{Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs}

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has met with senior members of the Bodu Kanneli Masveringe Union (BKMU). The meeting was held at the President’s Office on Monday.

At the meeting, BKMU members extended their gratitude to the President for his decision not to open the Maldivian seas to line fishing. Union members expressed their confidence that the fulfilment of the Administration’s manifesto would bring progress to the fisheries industry. They also noted with satisfaction the Administration’s efforts in compiling a fisherman’s registry.

Speaking at the meeting, the President stated that the purpose of holding such meetings is to govern close to the people. He emphasised that a comprehensive solution would be brought to the fisheries sector with the implementation of the manifesto. The President listened to the issues and concerns raised by the BKMU members.

Union members expressed their grief over the low fisheries income and the declining interest in fisheries as a career among the working population. They also highlighted the difficulties in weighing their fish and obtaining hygiene certification for fishing vessels. Additionally, they mentioned challenges in using the device for location tracking for vessels. They urged the government to explore avenues for implementing floor prices for selling fish, setting up special buoys specifically for the Yellowfin Tuna species, and protecting areas frequented by bait fish.

The meeting concluded on a positive note, with a commitment to work together to resolve the issues discussed. The President assured the BKMU that he would work to address the concerns they had raised.

^{Source: The President’s Office}

Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer has extended warm greetings and good wishes to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, Retno Lestari Priansari Marsudi, in connection with the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Maldives and the Republic of Indonesia.

In his message to his Indonesian counterpart, Minister Zameer reflected on the relationship between the two nations, which he described as having been “founded on mutual respect and common values”. He added that these ties have only prospered over the years, generating close ties of friendship and greater international cooperation. 

“Let me reiterate our commitment to working closely with Your Excellency and the Government of Indonesia through close cooperation, both bilaterally and in multilateral fora, for the mutual benefit of the peoples of our two countries,” the statement said. 

The statement concluded by extending the Minister’s sincere wish for the continued progress and prosperity of the people of the Republic of Indonesia.

^{Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs}

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced plans to sell shares of Housing Development Corporation Limited (HDC) to the public as part of broader efforts to involve citizens in the country’s urban development.

Speaking at a press conference at the President’s Office, Minister of Housing, Urban, and Land Development, Dr Ali Haidar Ahmed, confirmed that President Dr Muizzu intended to convert HDC into a public limited company and gradually offer its shares to the public. The initiative is designed to engage the broader population in shaping and benefiting from the nation’s urban development projects.

Established in 2001, HDC has become a leading player in the Maldivian real estate market. Among its successful projects are the development of Hulhumalé, Kudagiri, and various urban islands. The corporation is currently spearheading the development of Hulhumalé Phase III, Rasmale’, and Thilafushi, further expanding its portfolio of significant urban projects.

^{Source: PSM}

Minister of Economic Development and Trade Mohamed Saeed has confirmed that the Ministry is seeking assistance and advice from experts over the President’s plans to introduce investor visas. Introduction of investor visas, as well as expanding and diversifying the economy is one of the key priorities for the administration.

Speaking at a press conference, Minister Saeed highlighted that the introduction of investor visas is expected to usher in new investments into the country. Noting that visas were one of the many ways investors and investor confidence is secured, Minister Saeed added that this venture was expected to transform the business sector. The Minister further noted that the Maldives had issued corporate residence visas since 2013, with some updates to the process introduced in 2020.

Minister of Homeland security and Technology Ali Ihusaan also spoke on the issue, stating that programmes of this nature had been conducted in other developing and nations quite successfully. Such programmes, he said, were pivotal to the exponential growth some of these nations enjoyed over the years. He anticipated that approximately 2,000 potential investors will seek investor residence visas once the programme is officially introduced, with the number of investors expected to increase annually. He projected that this could lead to investments totalling USD 6 billion over the next five years.

^{Source: PSM}

The Government has announced plans to partner with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), aiming to develop the nuclear medicine field.

Speaking at a press conference, Minister of Foreign Affairs Moosa Zameer revealed that the decision was taken as it will benefit the Maldives, adding that the collaboration with IAEA will play a pivotal role in supporting the Maldives to develop the nuclear medicine field. Highlighting that President Dr Mohamed Muizzu pledged to establish a Cancer Treating Hospital in the Maldives, the Minister stated that nuclear medicine was utilised as a treatment for several diseases. While the government has decided to collaborate with IAEA, it disclosed that all the works pertaining to it will be led by the Ministry of Defence.

The government notes that this is a long-time process, as this decision made by the Cabinet will be proposed to the parliament and will require parliamentary approval, for the Maldives to join the agency. In addition to the IAEA assisting the Maldives in advancing the nuclear medicine field, it can also serve benefits to the Maldives in the field of renewable energy.

The IAEA was established in 1957 in response to the deep fears and expectations generated by the discoveries and diverse uses of nuclear technology. It seeks to promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy and to inhibit its use for any military purpose, including nuclear weapons. While the organisation consists of 178 member states, Maldives and Bhutan remain as the only countries in the region which have not joined the organisation.

^{Source: PSM}

Minister of Economic Development and Trade Mohamed Saeed has expressed optimism regarding the merger of Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) and Regional Airports Company Limited (RACL). The strategic move is aimed at strengthening airport management while reducing operational expenditure.

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu decided to merge MACL and RACL following a Cabinet discussion, aligning with the government’s policy to reform state-owned enterprises. Speaking at a press conference at the President’s Office, Minister Saeed emphasised the significance of this decision, describing it as one of the most important steps taken by the current administration. He anticipated that the merger will be fully completed by January 31, 2025.
The Minister highlighted the merger will be conducted under the corporate governance policy, which is expected to yield positive outcomes, including cost reductions.

Minister Saeed also addressed the concerns over service provision following the merger, noting that this would enhance their efficiencies. 

Minister Saeed also noted that the government’s reform efforts, including the merger, have been praised by international financial institutions such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank.

In addition to the MACL and RACL merger, the Government has designated Fahi Dhiriulhun Corporation Limited (FDC) as a subsidiary of Housing Development Corporation Limited (HDC). Additionally, Agro National Company Limited (AgroNAT) will be transferred to the Maldives Industrial Development Free Zone (MIDFZ). The Cabinet has also conducted extensive discussions on the potential merger of the Maldives Fund Management Corporation and the Business Centre Corporation (BCC).

^{Source: PSM}

The Government has drafted guidelines on the protection of whale shark species in the Maldives and their habitats. The initiative was introduced by the Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy, commemorating the International Whale Shark Day, which is observed annually on August 30.

The first guideline aimed at protecting whale sharks were initially drafted on June 5, 2009. Several notable amendments have been brought to the guidelines and will be implemented after a period of three months. 

The guidelines details strategies to maintain a safe environment for whale sharks sustainably how the actions of humans must be when visiting such sites. According to the guidelines, it is prohibited for individuals to be three feet close to whale sharks or touching them at all. It also prohibits obstructing shark movement and mandates keeping at least 20 meters when diving with the sharks. Additionally, it prohibits feeding whale sharks, using flashlights or any sort of lights near whale shark habitats, docking vessels near their habitats. The guidelines also prohibit the use of selfie sticks near the area and state that drone photos must be taken 30m above sea level.

The guidelines stipulate that the area extending 250 meters from the whale shark is designated as the Contact Zone. Within this zone, no more than three vessels are permitted at any given time.

Vessels operating in this area must not exceed a speed of five knots per hour. If a vessel comes within 50 meters of the whale shark, it is required to reduce its speed to two knots per hour. However, vessels can exceed these speed limits in emergencies. Additionally, vessels engaged in water sports are prohibited from entering the Contact Zone. The guidelines also outline procedures for dealing with a sick whale shark. If a whale shark is ensnared in a mooring line, the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) must be notified immediately. In the instance where a whale shark is entangled, a sharp object, such as a knife, may be used to free it. If any whale shark sustains natural injuries or from contact with a blade, it should be left to recover in its natural environment.

The guidelines further address the protocol for handling deceased or killed whale sharks. Any breaches, the Ministry said, will be penalized.

In July 2016, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classified whale sharks as an endangered species on its red list. Whale sharks were previously designated as a protected species under the Fisheries Act of the Maldives.

^{Source: PSM}

The Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology has issued a two-week deadline for employers to complete outstanding expat fee payments under USD 6,485. The Ministry announced that employers who finalize their payments and any associated fines before September 16 will be publicised, and those who fail to comply will be suspended from the expat system, with a temporary halt on issuing permits.

The Ministry acknowledged receiving numerous complaints and concerns from employers regarding the short deadline for submitting all payments and fines. To address these concerns, the Ministry has opened opportunities for employers to negotiate new agreements with the government, allowing payment over an agreed period. Details about these agreements will be made available through the expat system.

Minister of Homeland Security and Technology, Ali Ihusaan, relevant stakeholders, especially those parties involved in recruitment of immigrant workers. The meetings focused on identifying and addressing the issues faced by immigrants. Despite over 50,000 companies in the Maldives recruiting foreign labor, the Ministry revealed that 90 percent of these companies do not make regular fee payments.

^{Source: PSM}

Minister of Economic Development and Trade Mohamed Saeed has announced that transferring Agro National Corporation Limited (AgroNat) operations to the Maldives Industrial Development Freezone (MIDFZ) will significantly enhance the growth of the agricultural sector in the Maldives.

Speaking at a press conference held at the President’s Office, Minister Saeed revealed that the government plans to begin developing an agricultural economic zone in Uthuru Thilafalhu (UTF) later this year. He emphasised the critical role AgroNat in this major project, valued at approximately USD 250 million. The development is being spearheaded by MIDFZ in collaboration with China’s Harbor Engineering Company Limited (CHEC), following an agreement signed on March 28 this year.

Additionally, Minister Saeed highlighted the government’s goal to establish special agricultural zones in the northern and southern regions of the country, as well as in the Greater Male’ Region. He also said that the initiative aims to position agriculture as a significant income-generating sector.

Furthermore, Minister Saeed added that studies on sand and sunlight quality in an international laboratory were being conducted. This, he added, was expected to create around 800 more job opportunities, reduce reliance on imports, and lower food prices by increasing local production.

The development of the agricultural economic zone in UTF is being promoted by the government as the largest project ever undertaken in the country to ensure food security and promote agriculture as a sustainable industry. The zone will focus on cultivating around 15 types of vegetables and fruits commonly consumed in the Maldives. The project also includes land reclamation in UTF, the development of primary infrastructure, an agricultural industrial park, passenger and freight terminals, and other related infrastructure in the region.

^{Source: PSM}

The newly appointed High Commissioner of Maldives to Bangladesh, Shiuneen Rasheed has presented her Letters of Credence to the President of Bangladesh, Mohammed Shahabuddin.

The Letter of Credence was presented at a special ceremony held on Monday at the Presidential Palace, Bangabhaban in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Following the ceremonial proceedings, President Shahabuddin extended a warm reception to High Commissioner Shiuneen and offered congratulations on her assumption of duties as the High Commissioner Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Maldives to Bangladesh. In response, High Commissioner Shiuneen expressed her gratitude for the gracious welcome and conveyed cordial greetings from President Dr Mohamed Muizzu to the President and People of Bangladesh.

Furthermore, High Commissioner Shiuneen reaffirmed the commitment of the Government of Maldives in strengthening the longstanding bilateral relations between Maldives and Bangladesh emphasizing the importance of exploring new avenues for collaboration.

Diplomatic relations between the Maldives and Bangladesh were established on 22 September 1978. High Commissioner Shiuneen is the seventh High Commissioner of Maldives to Bangladesh.

^{Source: PSM}