President Dr Mohamed Muizzu delivered a compelling address at the UK–Maldives Business Forum held in London, highlighting the Maldives’ economic transformation and inviting British and international businesses to play a central role in shaping the island nation’s future. The forum, which formed part of President Muizzu’s official visit to the United Kingdom, gathered key UK business leaders, policymakers, and investors to explore opportunities for enhanced commercial collaboration between the two countries.
In his speech, President Dr Muizzu emphasised that the Maldives is undergoing a period of rapid economic development aimed at building a resilient, diversified economy supported by forward-thinking policy reforms and strategic investments. With diplomatic relations between the Maldives and the United Kingdom approaching their 60th anniversary, the President reaffirmed the strength of bilateral ties, particularly in trade, tourism, and fisheries, sectors where the UK has historically played a crucial role.
“The United Kingdom continues to be one of the largest source markets for Maldivian tourism, with over 180,000 British visitors arriving last year alone,” President Muizzu noted. “This long-standing relationship has also contributed significantly to the growth of our fisheries industry, which remains one of the Maldives’ key economic pillars.”
President Muizzu invited UK businesses to invest in a range of emerging sectors beyond tourism and fisheries, including the creative industries, infrastructure, digital transformation, and human capital development. He outlined the government’s target to increase the contribution of the creative industry to 15 percent of the nation’s GDP by 2030 and called for partnerships to support capacity building, skills development, and innovative investment in this area.
“There are several opportunities in multiple areas where the Maldives needs to develop in the future,” he stated. “We are seeking strong, long-term partners to help us build capabilities, expand our digital infrastructure, and shape a more inclusive and dynamic economy.”
The President also addressed the country’s ongoing transition toward a digital and environmentally sustainable future. He noted that government services are being rapidly digitised and that investments are being channelled into renewable energy and green technology. President Muizzu specifically highlighted the potential in mariculture and sustainable aquaculture, encouraging the adoption of modern, innovative approaches to expand the fisheries sector and create new export-driven opportunities.
Infrastructure development remains a critical focus of the government’s economic agenda. The President drew attention to the new passenger terminal at Velana International Airport (VIA), which is expected to increase air connectivity and create numerous business opportunities across the aviation, logistics, and hospitality sectors. “This new infrastructure will support the future of our tourism industry and enhance investor access to our islands,” he said.
President Muizzu reiterated the central role of the private sector in driving economic progress, noting that investor confidence has been further strengthened by the recent enactment of a new Foreign Investment Act. The legislation, which replaced a 45-year-old legal framework, enhances investor protection, simplifies business processes, and aligns the Maldives’ regulatory environment with international standards.
The President concluded his address by calling on British investors to become active partners in the Maldives’ development journey. “The Maldives is ready for the next chapter. We welcome you to be part of it not just as tourists, but as collaborators and builders of a more vibrant, inclusive, and resilient economy.”
President Dr Muizzu’s remarks at the forum showcased a clear vision for economic diversification and modernisation, and reinforced the Maldives’ commitment to maintaining strong international partnerships, especially with long-standing allies like the United Kingdom. The forum served as an important platform to promote the Maldives as a secure, investor-friendly destination with tremendous untapped potential across both traditional and emerging sectors.
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