President Dr Mohamed Muizzu delivered the keynote address at the Maldives–Sri Lanka Business Forum held in Colombo today, where he highlighted the indispensable role of the private sector in shaping the nation’s economic future.
Addressing the forum, the President said the Maldives stands at a pivotal moment in its development journey, guided by Vision 2040, a long-term commitment to building a fully developed, inclusive and sustainable nation. He noted that this vision rests on the principle that development must be people-centric, technology-enabled and environmentally responsible.
Reform Agenda and Investor Confidence
The President said private sector-led growth has been placed at the heart of the national agenda, with the Government advancing what he described as a decisive and ambitious reform programme aimed at facilitating business, incentivising investment and empowering entrepreneurs.
Among the key measures he highlighted were the modernised Foreign Investment Law and the revised Foreign Investment Entry Requirements, both designed to provide greater clarity, predictability and transparency for prospective investors. He also pointed to amendments to the Special Economic Zones Act as a transformative step intended to move the country into its next phase of growth.
President Muizzu reflected on the rising investor confidence in the Maldives as an emerging digital hub in the Indian Ocean, sending a clear signal to international investors that the country is not only open for business but is actively positioning itself at the forefront of technology-driven growth.
Strengthening the Maldives–Sri Lanka Partnership
Turning to bilateral cooperation, the President described Sri Lanka as a central partner in the Maldives’ development journey, citing its longstanding contributions across the tourism, construction and services sectors. He invited deeper collaboration in infrastructure development, sustainable tourism models, digital innovation and food security, while stressing the value of two-way investment flows in building a balanced and durable economic partnership. He also called for greater regional innovation, resilience and shared leadership.
Speaking at the forum, Minister of Economic Development, Transport and Trade Mohamed Saeed described the gathering as a significant milestone in strengthening bilateral economic ties. He pointed to the Government’s clear focus on fiscal discipline, economic resilience and long-term growth, noting that despite global economic headwinds, macroeconomic stability has been maintained alongside major infrastructure projects and reforms aimed at diversifying the economy beyond tourism.
A special address was delivered by Dr Harini Amarasuriya, Prime Minister of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, who spoke of the strengthening friendly ties between the two countries.
Investment Showcase and Networking
The forum featured a presentation on Maldives–Sri Lanka bilateral relations and a showcase of investment opportunities across key sectors of the Maldivian economy, including tourism, agriculture and fisheries.
Business sector delegations from both countries attended the event, which concluded with networking discussions aimed at strengthening commercial linkages and identifying new avenues for future cooperation between the two nations.
