Business

Finance Minister: GDP would have been at MVR 140B if not for the pandemic

Published

9 months ago

09/08/2023

Finance Minister Ibrahim Ameer, on Wednesday, stated that Maldives’ Gross Domestic Product (GDP), if not for the COVID-19 pandemic, would have been at MVR 140 billion by the end of this year.

Speaking at a campaign rally of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih held at Ameer’s birth island, GDh. Gadhdhoo last night, the minister said Maldives’ economy was improving at a high speed ahead of the pandemic.

He detailed that only USD 162 million was in the state’s usable reserve when the current administration took office in 2018, which was raised USD 316 million in just two years.

Nevertheless, Ameer stressed that the nation’s GDP dropped by 33 percent due to the pandemic, citing the Maldivian economy would have been at much better levels by the end of this year, if the pandemic had not taken place.

Ameer forecasted the following numbers with respect to the economy by the end of this term, if not for the pandemic.

GDP – MVR 140 billion
Usable reserve – USD 500 million
Tourist arrivals – Three million per year
Nevertheless, Ameer said the Maldivian economy was in a better condition compared to before, even with the difficulties faced due to the pandemic.

“Even with the pandemic, the usable reserve stood at approximately USD 177 million when we concluded 2020 amid the pandemic; an increase from the USD 162 million it stood at by the end of 2018,” he said.

The minister stressed that the government had incurred huge expenses during the pandemic to provide income support, frontline allowance and financial assistance to small and medium enterprises.

He added that the government undertook these tasks while faring through the biggest low the Maldives and the world’s economy have ever experienced.

Minister Ameer said the government, despite a multitude of difficulties, carried out a great number of infrastructure development projects – which would aid in doubling the economy in the next term.

Statistics show that Maldives’ usable reserve stood at USD 594 million at the end of last month. USD 238 million has been deducted from the reserve between last year’s December and July.

Maldives’ GDP improved by 13 percent last year, while so far this year, it has been at 9 percent.

Source(s): sun.mv

Business

CWEIC office to establish in Maldives, Janah as Chair

Published

2 days ago

16/05/2024

Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC) has announced decision to establish its office in the Maldives, and appoint President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s Principal Advisor Mohamed Ali Janah as its Country Chair.

CWEIC in a statement on Thursday, said the office will be established to connect the Maldives government with international investors and businesses.

The Maldives hub office of CWEIC will play a vital role in seeking prospective investment opportunities from all 56-member nations of the Commonwealth. The office will also enhance strategic alliances and partnerships between these countries and the Maldivian government.

Veteran entrepreneur, Janah boasts of over 30 years of business relations with the Middle East.

Source(s): sun.mv

Business

Dubai company awarded the development of SEZ

Published

6 days ago

12/05/2024

An agreement has been signed by the Maldivian administration with UAE’s International Free Zone Authority (IFZA) to develop Special Economic Zones (SEZ) in the Maldives.

The agreement, officially co-signed by Minister of Economic Development and Trade Mohamed Saeed and IFZA Chairman Martin Gregers Pedersen during a special ceremony, marks a significant milestone in economic development.

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Saeed emphasized the timeline for finalizing the agreement, committing to reach a consensus within the next four months. As part of the agreement, Fonadhoo in Kaafu Atoll will be transformed into a financial hub, featuring a new financial center and a bridge connecting Male’ and Hulhule. IFZA will bear the expenses for these developments.

The Ministry of Economic Development and Trade further highlighted plans for the Economic Gateway project in Ihavandhippolhu, aiming to attract investors with IFZA’s expertise. Addressing the attendees, Chairman Pedersen expressed confidence in the success of the project, underscoring collaborations with investors to further enhance opportunities in the Maldives.

The development of SEZs remarkably aligns with the President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s vision to diversify the economy and stimulate financial growth. The Maldivian administration is optimistic about attracting future investments and positioning the country as a desirable destination for business opportunities.

Source(s): PsmNews

Business

Over USD 713M generated attributing to revenue increasing by 3.7%

Published

7 days ago

11/05/2024

Ministry of Finance has revealed a remarkable surge in the government’s revenue generated as of April 25, which exceeds USD713 million. The latest weekly fiscal report publicised by the ministry indicates that this contributes to a 3.7% increase in revenue in comparison to the revenue of USD693 million, generated within the same period, in 2023.

The fiscal report shows that the revenue comprises USD 596 million in tax revenue, USD116 million in non-tax revenue, and USD3 million in aid received. Tax earnings include import duty, business and property tax (BPT), goods and services tax (GST), as well as earnings from GST. The breakdown of revenue generation includes USD45 million from import duties, USD168 million from BPT, USD330 million from GST, USD24 million from green tax, USD22.6 million from airport service charges, and departure tax.

Expenditures until April 25 totalled USD817 million, with USD629 million allocated to recurrent expenses and USD181 million to capital expenditures. This represents a significant reduction in expenditures compared to the USD244 million spent by the government in 2023, during the corresponding timeframe. Recurrent expenses cover USD207 million for salaries and allowances and USD408 million for administrative work. Meanwhile, capital expenditure primarily encompasses expenses related to structural development.

Source(s): PsmNews