His Excellency President Dr Mohamed Muizzu delivered a keynote address at the Maldives–UK Business Forum held in London this evening, marking a major step in advancing bilateral economic relations between the Maldives and the United Kingdom. Organised by the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade, this event marked the eighth edition of the Ministry’s global investment promotion series, aimed at expanding international partnerships and drawing foreign investment into key sectors of the Maldivian economy.
The forum brought together senior representatives from the United Kingdom’s corporate and investment communities, high-level Maldivian officials, and notable attendees including The Right Honourable Lord Marland, Chairman of the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council. Lord Marland expressed strong confidence in the Maldives’ economic vision, stating that global investors are increasingly recognising the country’s transparent, reform-oriented approach to economic development.
In his address, President Dr Muizzu outlined a comprehensive range of investment opportunities available to UK businesses across five strategic sectors: the creative economy, digital transformation, renewable energy, fisheries and ocean innovation, and tourism infrastructure. These areas have been prioritised by the Government of Maldives as part of a national strategy to diversify the economy, promote resilience, and position the country as a regional hub for innovation and sustainability.
He emphasized the Government’s commitment to enhancing investor confidence through robust policy reforms, noting the enactment of a new Foreign Investment Act in 2023. “This law replaces outdated legislation and introduces modern investor protections, streamlined approval processes, and regulatory clarity that aligns our business environment with global standards,” President Dr Muizzu stated.
The President also announced the reactivation of the Special Economic Zones (SEZ) framework, which enables customized regulatory and tax arrangements for large-scale projects in sectors such as energy, healthcare, education, finance, and port development. He underscored that these reforms are designed to attract transformative investments that align with the Maldives’ broader development objectives.
“Our economic vision is to develop the Maldives beyond luxury tourism. We are expanding into wellness, sports, cruise, and halal tourism, which present new market opportunities,” President Dr Muizzu added. He further noted that the country is investing in value-added fish processing and sustainable aquaculture, while simultaneously scaling up infrastructure to support traditional tuna fisheries.
Creative industries were also identified as a key growth area. “We see enormous potential in digital content, design, media, gaming, and the arts, sectors that can drive the next generation of growth for the Maldives,” the President said. He reiterated that human capital development and digital transformation remain central to the Government’s development priorities.
One of the major highlights of the evening was the official launch of the Maldives’ new fisheries promotion brand, “From Maldives.” This initiative reinforces the nation’s longstanding commitment to sustainable fishing practices, especially pole-and-line tuna fishing, and is intended to position Maldivian seafood as a premium, eco-conscious product in international markets. The launch is expected to boost exports to Europe and attract interest from global buyers who prioritise ethical and environmentally responsible sourcing.
The forum also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the West London Chambers of Commerce and the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade of the Maldives, aimed at fostering stronger trade and investment collaboration. This agreement opens new avenues for business engagement, particularly in areas such as market access, innovation partnerships, and sector-specific collaboration.
Adding further value to the evening’s proceedings was a high-level panel discussion under the theme “Investing in the Future: A Conversation on the Maldives’ Economic Vision.” The session brought together Maldivian and UK stakeholders to explore practical opportunities in sectors such as tourism development, renewable energy, fisheries, waste management, and financial services. The interactive format enabled UK investors and businesses to engage directly with the Maldivian delegation and gain deeper insights into the country’s investment policies and future growth prospects.
President Dr Muizzu’s participation in the Maldives–UK Business Forum reflects the administration’s strong focus on international economic cooperation and its ongoing efforts to diversify the economy while promoting sustainability and innovation. The United Kingdom continues to be one of the Maldives’ most valuable economic and tourism partners, and the forum reinforced the shared commitment to expanding that relationship through targeted investments and strategic collaboration.
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