President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has said the introduction of PayPal marks the beginning of the Government's wider efforts to strengthen digitalisation in the Maldives.

Speaking on the second episode of the "Nation Chat" podcast, the President said bringing PayPal to the Maldives required extensive collaboration with the company, despite claims by the opposition that it could not be done.

President Dr Muizzu said work to introduce the international payment platform began soon after his Administration took office. He added that the process took nearly a year and a half and involved close engagement with PayPal officials.

The President said some opposition figures had insisted PayPal would never operate in the Maldives, similar to earlier claims that major infrastructure projects such as bridges could not be delivered. He said attracting large international companies requires governments to meet the standards and requirements expected by those businesses.

In addition, the President stated that Ooredoo was selected by PayPal as its local partner, after which the Government, Ooredoo and PayPal worked together to launch the service in the Maldives.

President Dr Muizzu said the Government is now working to expand the range of services available through PayPal while also attracting more international digital service providers to the country.

He also reiterated the Government's target of increasing the digital economy's contribution to the national economy to 15 per cent by 2030, describing the development of a digital economy as one of his Administration's key pledges.

The President said expanding digital services would particularly benefit young people and those working in the creative industry by providing easier access to international payment platforms.