The Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) has highlighted the importance of timely and policy-relevant economic research in strengthening decision-making for small and highly open economies, during its participation in the Regional Research Roundtable of Central Banks held on the sidelines of the 2026 International Monetary Fund and World Bank Group Annual Meetings in Bangkok, Thailand.
The roundtable was organised by the Asia Pacific Applied Economics Association (APAEA) in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), bringing together central bank representatives and economic researchers to exchange perspectives on emerging policy challenges, research priorities and opportunities for greater regional cooperation.
Representing the Maldives, MMA Deputy Governor Ms. Aishath Asna Hamdi underscored the particular importance of high-quality economic research for countries such as the Maldives, where developments in the global economy can have significant implications for domestic economic conditions. She noted that timely research can provide policymakers with stronger evidence to assess risks, respond to changing economic circumstances and formulate policies that support long-term economic and financial stability.
Ms. Hamdi identified external sector vulnerabilities, fiscal and monetary policy interactions, climate-related risks and financial digitalisation as important areas where further research could contribute to stronger policy formulation. These areas are particularly relevant to the Maldives as the country continues to strengthen its economic institutions, financial sector resilience and capacity to respond effectively to external and structural challenges.
The Deputy Governor also emphasised the importance of closer collaboration between central banks, researchers and domestic stakeholders. Greater cooperation, she noted, can improve the exchange of knowledge, strengthen analytical capacity and ensure that research remains closely connected to the practical requirements of economic policymaking.
MMA is continuing to expand its engagement with regional and international research institutions as part of efforts to strengthen evidence-based policymaking in the Maldives. Ms. Hamdi highlighted the Authority’s ongoing research partnership with APAEA, which supports greater collaboration and knowledge exchange on economic and financial issues relevant to the Maldives and the wider Asia-Pacific region.
She also drew attention to the upcoming MMA Research Conference and Joint Workshop scheduled for December 2026. The event is expected to provide a platform for researchers, policymakers and other stakeholders to discuss economic research, emerging policy issues and analytical approaches that can contribute to informed decision-making.
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