Maldives News Bulletin - Volume 134

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has stated that digitalisation is the cornerstone of the Maldives’ national vision. He made the statement during his speech at the “Summit of the Future Side Event: A Vision for an Intelligence-Driven Future for Maldives” on Monday. 

In his speech, the President reflected on the unique challenges posed to the Maldives, citing that the nation was a testament to the transformative power of innovation. He stated that the Maldives was showcasing how digitalisation was shaping our future, indicating that it was already being used to manage the nation’s scarce resources and enhance public service delivery. 

The embrace of digitalisation, the President added, was not only to enhance economic prospects, but also to elevate the quality of life for Maldivians. President Dr Muizzu stated that the focus of digitalisation was to empower citizens with digital literacy, ensuring that technology was harnessed to bring forth creators and innovators. 

The President also highlighted the vital role digitalisation played in tackling the environmental challenges, one of the most pressing issues for the nation. He indicated that early warning systems and smart technologies were helping to build a more sustainable and resilient future. 

In his speech, President Dr Muizzu highlighted the various applications of digitalisation. While recognising the immense opportunities, the President also noted the complex challenges such a digital age would pose. Global cooperation, he said, was necessary to combat those complexities. 

He concluded his speech by stating that while the Maldives was a small nation, our ambitions were vast. These ambitions, he added, would be made a reality with the unwavering determination of the Maldivian people and the continued support of the international community. The Maldives’ success, he said, will be measured not just by the technologies deployed but by the lives improved. 

^{Source: The President’s Office}

Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer has sent out a message of congratulations to his Thai counterpart, Maris Sangiampongsa on his re-appointment as the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom. 

In his message, Minister Zameer extended his congratulations and reflected on the decades of friendship between the nations. 

“Over the past four decades, the Maldives and the Kingdom of Thailand have enjoyed warm people-to-people ties based on mutual respect and trust. I look forward to enhancing our future cooperation and deepening the close bilateral relations between our two countries,” his message read. 

His message concluded by conveying his best wishes to the Minister’s good health and well-being, as well as continued progress and prosperity for the people of Thailand. 

^{SOURCE : Ministry of Foreign Affairs}

Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer has sent out National Day greetings to the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Principality of Andorra, Imma Tor Faus, on the National Day of Andorra. 

“On behalf of the Government, the people of the Republic of Maldives and on my own behalf, it gives me immense pleasure to convey warm greetings and best wishes to Your Excellency, the Government and the people of the Principality of Andorra, on your National Day,” Minister Zameer’s message read. 

Minister Zameer further expressed his wish to further deepen the cordial relations as well as increase cooperation in both bilateral and multilateral spheres between the two nations. 

^{SOURCE : Ministry of Foreign Affairs}

Ministry of Tourism has revealed the Maldives has welcomed over 200,000 tourists from China. The latest statistics released by the Ministry indicates a total of 202,613 tourist arrivals were from China, marking a 59 percent increase compared to the 127,194 tourist arrivals from the country, for the same period last year. 

China is currently the top third source market of Maldives tourism. Last year, it was ranked as the third market source of tourists. Ministry and other industry stakeholders have launched ambitious initiatives to increase the number of arrivals from the Chinese market. 

Russia is the ranked as the second market source of tourists, with a total of 149,920 tourist arrivals. 

The daily update report published by the Ministry shows that Maldives has welcomed 1.3 million tourists by September 7. This is an increase of 10.2 percent compared to the 1.2 million tourists who arrived during the same period last year. The government aims to welcome two million tourists by the end of the year. 

^{Source: PSM}

Minister of Housing, Land and Urban Development Dr Ali Haidar Ahmed has revealed that the Government aims to complete the housing developmental project in Dhidhdhoo Island, Haa Alif Atoll, by February 2025. 

The project of developing 75 housing units in Dhidhdhoo commenced on November 2022. Under the developmental initiative, 75 row houses of 700 square feet will be built. Each unit will feature three rooms, with attached toilets, a living room, a kitchen, a dining room, a laundry room and a storeroom. 

The Ministry of Housing, Land and Urban Development disclosed that 73 percent of the project was completed, with the finishing touches ongoing. The project faced slight delays due to funding issues. This, the Ministry reported, has been resolved with the project set to be completed by February 20th. 

The project is worth USD 7.7 million and was contracted to SJ Construction Private Limited. Dhidhdhoo Island Council is in the process of reviewing applicants for the housing units. 

^{Source: PSM}

Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Information and Arts have entered agreements with civil organisations receiving financial assistance from this year’s state-budget. 

The organisation which signed the agreement include; Thulhaadhoo Silver Shine Club, Gan Youth Centre, Hulhudheli Island Social and Sports Association, Society for Thundi Advancement and Recreation (STAR), Jamiyyath Salaf, Association for Mathiveri Sports and Awareness, Topsy and Icons Association 

The government announced the decision to provide financial assistance to organisations in May. The initiative aims to support the efforts of the organisation to empower society and expand their role in national development. 

^{Source: PSM}

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has appointed Uz Farhad Rasheed as a Member to the Judicial Service Commission (JSC). Uz Farhad was appointed as representative of lower Courts, elected by the Courts. 

His letter of appointment was awarded in a ceremony held at the President’s Office, on Sunday. 

The President appointed Uz Farhad Rasheed in accord with the powers granted to him under Article 158 (d) of the Maldivian Constitution and Section 3 Paragraph 4 of Law No. 2008/10. 

Uz Farhad Rasheed was sworn into office by Supreme Court Justice Hon Uz Ali Rasheed Hussain and witnessed by the President. Following the ceremony, he signed the oath of office as well. His letter of appointment was handed over by the President. 

Uz Farhad Rasheed served as a Judge at Civil Court from 2013. He had earned his Bachelors in Shariah and Law from Maldives College of Islamic Studies. 

^{Source: The President’s Office}

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has appointed Uz Ismail Habeeb Abdul Raheem as a member of the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives. The ceremony to present the letters of appointment was held at the President’s Office on Sunday afternoon. 

The Honorable Supreme Court Justice, Ali Rasheed Hussain, administered the oath of office. After the oath-taking ceremony, the President presented the official letters of appointment to the newly inducted member. 

Ismail Habeeb Abdul Raheem served as vice-chairperson of the Election Commission for the past three years (2021-2024). He also served two consecutive terms as a member of the Election Commission. 

Ismail Habeeb Abdul Raheem holds a Bachelor of Shar’iah and Law from Villa College and a Master of Arts (Dhivehi Language) from the National University of Maldives. 

^{Source: The President’s Office}

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) Mohamed Wajeeh Ibrahim has expressed optimism in a market security for the bunkering services to be launched in the northern region of the Maldives. MPL said they had extensive discussions with stakeholders and experts to prepare for the launch of bunkering services. 

Speaking to PSM News, CEO Wajeeh highlighted that the Maldives has a great opportunity to provide and expand bunkering services, due to its strategic location. The CEO reported that the service is a highly sought out one, with MPL, State Trading Organisation (STO) and Vitol Bunkers marketing the services. 

He added that the experts have noted that Maldives was strategically placed to provide a multitude of services. 

The former Managing Director of STO Mohamed Saeed emphasised the benefits of introducing bunkering services, at a time when major shipping routes are being changed due to the conflicts occurring in the Red Sea. Sch as service, he said, would bring in an influx of foreign currency to the country. 

^{Source: PSM}

Minister of Agriculture and Animal Welfare Dr Aishath Rameela has announced that the 200-hectare agricultural economic zone in Uthuru Thila Falhu (UTF) will begin operations in January next year. 

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has unveiled this major agricultural project aimed at reducing food imports and ensuring food security in the Maldives. The government expects the project to not only decrease reliance on imported food but also provide access to healthier, locally produced items. 

Speaking to PSM News, Minister Dr Rameela confirmed that the project is moving forward, with the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for land reclamation underway. She highlighted the initiative as one of the government’s most promising ventures, addressing key economic and social challenges. She also said that the project is scheduled to commence operations in January 2025. 

Additionally, Minister Rameela elaborated that 200 hectares of land will be dedicated to the project. She said that the first phase will cover 100 hectares and focus on greenhouse farming of crops currently imported into the country. She also said that the second phase will focus on cultivating underground crops like onions and potatoes, and a poultry farm will be established to reduce reliance on imported eggs. 

A Chinese company will lead the development and operation of the project, with funding discussions already underway between the Agriculture Ministry and Chinese authorities. 

^{Source: PSM}

The Government of the Maldives has outlined its vision for infrastructure development projects to the Asian Development Bank (ADB). Minister of Construction and Infrastructure Dr Abdulla Muththalib made the announcement during a meeting with ADB officials. 

During the meeting, Dr Muththalib provided details on the various projects currently underway in the Maldives construction sector. He also discussed the financial challenges the government is facing in executing these initiatives. He also gave an update on the ongoing structural development projects of the nation. 

Minister Dr Muththalib was joined by Minister of State Ibrahim Tha’am Mohamed, Permanent Secretary Mohamed Shamil, Chief Accounts Executive Nasira Moosa, and other members of the construction ministry’s technical team during the team. The ADB is supporting several development projects in the Maldives. 

^{Source: PSM}

Managing Director of Male’ Water and Sewerage Company Private Limited (MWSC) Abdul Matheen Mohamed has announced the company’s decision to resume 22 water and sewerage projects that had previously been halted across various islands. 

Speaking at a programme aired on PSM News, Managing Director Matheen stated that MWSC is actively working to install water and sewerage systems on 25 islands. He said that the systems would be fully operational in all but two of these islands by the end of the year. Regarding the halted projects, he noted that only a small portion had been completed, with some islands having less than 10 percent of the work finished. 

Furthermore, Matheen emphasised that this initiative is not driven by profit motives but aimed to provide essential water and sewerage services to residents. The resumption of these projects is part of MWSC’s commitment to completing and delivering these essential services efficiently. Matheen stated that efforts are currently underway to assess the islands and finalise agreements for the project completion. 

^{Source: PSM}