Minister of Economic Development and Trade Mohamed Saeed has reiterated that Google’s decision to establish an international submarine cable landing station in the Maldives will be transformative for the country, despite criticism from the opposition.

Speaking on local media in response to concerns raised by MDP Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail, Minister Saeed dismissed claims that the project would deprive the Maldives of its strategic advantages. Fayyaz had argued that the investment could undermine national interests.

Minister Saeed said the Maldives should be proud to secure an investment from a global technology leader such as Google, describing the company as “one of the world’s most powerful brands.” He added that opposition figures refusing to acknowledge the significance of the project was not surprising.

He further criticised MDP for what he described as a history of blocking major investments, citing the cancelled USD 15 billion Faafu Atoll project as an example. According to Saeed, the current Administration, led by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, is focused on attracting major international investments, and Google’s arrival is a result of these efforts.

The minister emphasised that the establishment of Google’s cable landing station will enhance investor confidence and may draw additional multinational companies to the Maldives. He noted that the Maldives has already positioned itself as a hub for leading global brands, particularly in the tourism sector.

Minister Saeed also highlighted that internationally recognised hotel chains, including Hilton, InterContinental, Marriott, and Four Seasons, have long invested in the Maldives, contributing to its reputation as one of the world’s top tourism destinations. He said Google’s investment would further reinforce the Maldives’ appeal to major global players across various sectors.