Former President of the Maldives and Special Envoy of the President, Dr. Mohamed Waheed Hassan, has underscored the resilience and economic ambition of the Maldives at the Maldives Tourism and Investment Forum held in New York.
Addressing an audience of global investors and tourism leaders, Dr. Waheed reflected on the Maldives’ transformation from a geographically isolated country with limited natural resources into one of the world’s most sought-after travel destinations. He said this evolution was a testament to the nation’s exceptionalism, clarity of purpose, and determination.
Dr. Waheed noted that while the Maldives was once considered highly vulnerable to global economic shocks—particularly after the 2008 financial crisis—the country’s swift post-pandemic recovery proved those assumptions wrong. He stressed that the recovery was not by chance but the result of deliberate policy and national resolve.
Looking ahead, he highlighted Vision 2040, a national development strategy introduced by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, which aims to elevate the Maldives to developed nation status by the 75th anniversary of its independence. He noted that the strategy focuses on diversifying the economy, modernizing the financial sector, developing sustainable urban centres, and boosting the fisheries sector through export-led growth.
Dr. Waheed assured the forum that the Maldivian economy remains strong, citing International Monetary Fund projections of 5% growth this year. He added that fiscal reforms are already underway to create a stable, transparent, and investment-friendly climate.
He called on international partners to see the Maldives as a serious and strategic investment destination, adding that the country is ready to grow with those who value trust, purpose, and long-term vision.
Addressing an audience of global investors and tourism leaders, Dr. Waheed reflected on the Maldives’ transformation from a geographically isolated country with limited natural resources into one of the world’s most sought-after travel destinations. He said this evolution was a testament to the nation’s exceptionalism, clarity of purpose, and determination.
Dr. Waheed noted that while the Maldives was once considered highly vulnerable to global economic shocks—particularly after the 2008 financial crisis—the country’s swift post-pandemic recovery proved those assumptions wrong. He stressed that the recovery was not by chance but the result of deliberate policy and national resolve.
Looking ahead, he highlighted Vision 2040, a national development strategy introduced by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, which aims to elevate the Maldives to developed nation status by the 75th anniversary of its independence. He noted that the strategy focuses on diversifying the economy, modernizing the financial sector, developing sustainable urban centres, and boosting the fisheries sector through export-led growth.
Dr. Waheed assured the forum that the Maldivian economy remains strong, citing International Monetary Fund projections of 5% growth this year. He added that fiscal reforms are already underway to create a stable, transparent, and investment-friendly climate.
He called on international partners to see the Maldives as a serious and strategic investment destination, adding that the country is ready to grow with those who value trust, purpose, and long-term vision.
