Minister of Economic Development, Transport and Trade Mohamed Saeed has said the Maldives 2.0 vision represents the future of the country, adding that the introduction of PayPal has opened new opportunities for Maldivians in the digital economy.

Minister Saeed made the remarks during an appearance on Trade Desk with Anna programme, where he discussed the launch of PayPal services in the Maldives.

The minister said the Maldives has traditionally relied on a limited number of economic sectors, but technological advancements mean the country can no longer depend solely on industries such as tourism and fisheries. He noted that the arrival of PayPal has created new opportunities for entrepreneurs, creators and businesses seeking access to international markets.

Highlighting the Government's Maldives 2.0 initiative, Minister Saeed described the vision as a roadmap for the country's future, centred on technology, innovation and digital transformation. He said artificial intelligence and technology-based solutions would play a key role in creating opportunities for young people and driving future economic growth.

The minister also pointed to the upcoming Dhiraagu international submarine cable project with Google as an example of the country's digital ambitions. He said the project would strengthen the Maldives' position in the region and create new opportunities for businesses and the wider economy.

He added that Maldives 2.0 aims to make Government services faster and more efficient through technology, while reducing bureaucracy and improving transparency. He said the initiative would allow more services to be accessed digitally, reducing delays and creating a more connected public service system across the country.