Minister of Economic Development, Transport and Trade Mohamed Saeed has stated that the Maldives Government has demonstrated strong foresight and resilience in navigating economic challenges over the past two years.

Speaking at the opening of the Maldives–Sri Lanka Business Forum 2026 in Sri Lanka on Tuesday, the minister said the Government’s priorities remain focused on restoring sound financial management, responsibly handling inherited debt and maintaining stable living standards.

He noted that these efforts have been pursued amid global economic uncertainty, supply chain disruptions, high inflation and limited fiscal space.

Highlighting key achievements, minister Saeed said the Maldives now has 24 domestic airports and four international airports, describing it as a significant milestone for a small island nation.

He added that the Government is working to transform the economy into a future-ready model, with major initiatives including land reclamation to address housing challenges and the implementation of large-scale urban development projects.

The minister also pointed to ongoing economic reforms such as the Free Trade Agreement with China, the Special Economic Zones (SEZ) framework and the launch of the USD 1 billion Aailaa Township project as evidence of a clear and structured development strategy.

According to Saeed, the President’s vision is to strategically develop key sectors, including digitalisation, the fisheries value chain, logistics, renewable energy and financial services, positioning the Maldives as both a world-class tourism destination and a hub for investment and skills.

He further noted that Sri Lankan businesses are already active in various sectors in the Maldives and that there is significant potential to expand bilateral trade.

Minister Saeed added that existing trade imbalances between the Maldives and Sri Lanka present opportunities to boost exports and strengthen joint economic cooperation.