President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has called for both local and international investment in the northern region, describing it as a “golden opportunity” for growth and development.

He made the remarks while speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the Hanimadhoo International Airport, a key presidential pledge aimed at transforming the north into an integrated development zone.

The President said the airport represents not only a major infrastructure project but also a gateway for economic progress in the northern atolls. He emphasised that while an airport creates potential, it is airlines that bring it to life, inviting international carriers to begin operations to and from Hanimadhoo.

President Dr Muizzu noted that Maldivian authorities are ready to support partners with scheduling, handling, and operational facilitation. He also encouraged both foreign and local investors to explore opportunities linked to the airport and the surrounding region. The President especially urged local businesses, including small, medium, and large enterprises, to invest in the north, describing it as a golden opportunity.

Speaking about the project’s completion, the President highlighted that when his Administration took office, 30 per cent of the work had been completed, and the remaining 70 per cent was completed within a short period through coordinated efforts to advance development across multiple sectors.

He noted that the project, carried out under the Indian Line of Credit, demonstrates the enduring friendship between Maldives and India as the two nations celebrate 60 years of diplomatic ties.

The President further noted that tourism development in the northern region remains limited but assured that efforts are underway to change this. He cited the ongoing development of Naagoshi Resort as a key initiative to strengthen the regional tourism sector and added that additional incentives are being introduced to attract investors to the northern atolls.

Concluding his remarks, President Dr Muizzu said the swift completion of the airport reflects his Administration’s commitment to fast-tracking development across the northern region and throughout the Maldives.