The Air Service World Congress serves as a significant platform for international representatives from the route development community to discuss the future of global air service growth and development. The annual forum is scheduled to be held from July 9 to July 11 in Kurumbaa Maldives.

Speaking regarding the event to PSM News, Corporate Communication Manager of Maldives Airport Company Limited (MACL), Shamaan Shakir disclosed that efforts are underway to register airports and airlines, market the congress and ensure maximum number of airports and airlines participate in the forum. Shamaan additionally revealed that decisions have been made such that Velana International Airport (VIA) is set to be the official host of the Air Service World Congress 2024, marking the first time the Maldives welcomes this significant global event.

With 55 airlines attending, the prestigious event will feature insightful industry discussions, individual meetings, and ample networking opportunities. Several discussions are to take place during the event as this forum will serve to connect airlines and airports.

Moreover, Shamaan stated that this presents a unique prospect for VIA to showcase its advancements and establish alliances with prominent airlines. He further emphasised that the congress will assist to acquiring additional airlines to operate flights within other international airports within the nation. Hence, he expressed confidence that the opportunity of hosting the global event will benefit all the airports operating in the country.

VIA was announced as the official host of the event, following the successful conclusion of the Air Service World Congress 2023 in Oakland, San Francisco Bay Area.

Source(s): PsmNews

The first permission under the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Act, has been extended to establish a floating solar system in the Greater Male’ region.

The project was greenlit at the third meeting of the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade’s Board of Investment, held on Wednesday.

Ministry of Economic Development and Trade reported it had extended the project approval to Canada’s Abraxas Power Corp, which it is set to run in partnership with Sungrow Power Supply Co Limited.

Under the project, a 150-megawatt floating photovoltaic (PV) power plant and supporting infrastructure would be established, while additional fund injection would required to connect the project to the main electrical grid in the Greater Male’ region.

The initiative is aligned with President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s vision of expanding renewable energy share in the national power supply network to 33% by 2028.

While the renewable plan will pave way towards expanding the alternative utility footprint in the Maldives, President Muizzu announced receipt of a large-scale proposal under the SEZ on December 24th, 2023 – days after the government decided to reduce the lowest project value for an SEZ initiative.

Earlier on December 17 last year, President Muizzu reduced the lowest project value of an SEZ projects to USD 100 million, which previously stood at USD 150 million.

The SEZ Act was first introduced in 2015 under which special economic zones focused towards developing various economic initiatives were set.

President Muizzu pledged to inroduce special economic zones across the Maldives and open up foreign investment prospects.

Source(s): sun.mv

Minister of Economic Development and Trade Mohamed Saeed has emphasised the government’s endeavor to enhance food security through the Uthuru Thila Falhu project, aiming to curtail imports.

In an interview with a private media outlet, Minister Saeed underscored the significance of locally sourced products in ensuring food security for citizens. He also highlighted plans for island-level production.

Additionally, Minister Saeed outlined a upcoming initiative set to launch in Uthuru Thila Falhu, focusing on bolstering food security by cultivating ample fruits, vegetables, and seafood to cater to both resorts and residential areas across the nation. He said that the project aligns with President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s vision for the country, aiming to transform Uthuru Thila Falhu into a pivotal food hub.

Furthermore, Minister Saeed disclosed that the Maldives Industrial Development Free Zone has entrusted the China Harbour Engineering Company with reclaiming land and establishing an agricultural zone in Uthuru Thila Falhu. The project includes the creation of a specialized agricultural zone serving as a pivotal distribution center for agricultural products and inputs.

Source(s): PsmNews