Presidential Address: Ambitious 2025 Goals Set for Tourism Expansion, Fisheries Modernisation, and Agricultural Growth

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu presented a comprehensive address detailing his administration’s strategic plans to advance the nation's tourism, fisheries, and agricultural sectors during the opening session of parliament for 2025. His vision encompasses enhancing infrastructure, promoting underdeveloped regions, supporting new facilities, and establishing a special economic zone, reflecting a commitment to sustainable growth and modernisation.

Ambitious Tourism Goals: Surpassing Milestones and Expanding Reach

President Dr Muizzu announced that his administration aims to attract over 2.3 million tourists in 2025, building on the historic milestone of welcoming over two million tourists in a single year for the first time in 2024, which marked a 9% increase compared to 2023. The administration has initiated multiple efforts to achieve this target, he noted, including the acquisition and operationalisation of a wide-body aircraft for the national carrier, Maldivian.

This aircraft has already commenced flights to three destinations in China, with plans to expand services to additional cities and other international locations. Additionally, another wide-body aircraft is expected to be acquired in October 2025 to facilitate direct flights between Malé and various European destinations.

Revitalising Tourism in Emerging Regions

The administration also intends to introduce incentives and streamline investment processes to foster the development of tourist facilities in less developed regions such as Haa Dhaalu and Thaa Atolls. According to the administration’s 2025 budget, the Maldives is projected to receive 2.2 million tourists, accounting for an estimated 14.2 million bed nights.

The administration aims to attract over 2.3 million tourists this year, having achieved the initial target of two million in December 2024. The national carrier, Maldivian, has already commenced flights to three destinations in China, with plans to expand further.

Fisheries Modernisation: Securing the Maldivian Heritage

In his address, President Dr Muizzu also highlighted the crucial need for modernising the fisheries sector, characterising fishing as a fundamental aspect of the Maldivian identity and survival. According to the president, fishing is the identity of Maldivians, and it is the natural gift that is connected with our survival and sustenance.

The administration has commenced making payments to fishermen within 48 hours of fish purchase, fulfilling an electoral pledge. According to President Dr Muizzu, this year, cold storage facilities and fish processing plants will be developed in Felivaru (Lhaviyani Atoll), Fiyoari (Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll), and Nilandhoo (Faafu Atoll), among other locations. These projects are aimed to be completed by 2026, including a yellowfin tuna processing facility in Hulhumalé, Malé City, he revealed.

Empowering Fishermen: Financial and Structural Initiatives

Significant progress has been made in clearing the backlog of payments owed to fishermen, a liability inherited from the previous administration, President Dr Muizzu added. Projects progressing this year include the development of cold storage facilities in Kooddoo (Gaafu Alifu Atoll) and Ihavandhoo (Haa Alifu Atoll), and the establishment of a yellowfin tuna processing factory in Hulhumalé, Malé City. In addition, cold storage development projects in Felivaru and Thinadhoo (Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll) will be completed within the year, he said.

A comprehensive registry of all fishermen has been established, with 95% of fishing vessels now registered. Citing this, President Dr Muizzu stated that loans and credit facilities will be extended to these registered fishermen and vessels later this year. In his address, the president also acknowledged the historical difficulties faced by fishermen in acquiring ice and announced plans to develop ice plants in multiple locations within the year. The administration will finance the development of ice plants in various atolls, with funding support from the Saudi Fund and the Islamic Development Bank, he added.

Agricultural Advancements: Establishing a Future Economic Pillar

President Dr Muizzu also outlined the progress of the plans to establish a special economic zone dedicated to agriculture by the end of 2025, as part of efforts to ensure food security. The Maldives Industrial Development Free Zone (MIDFZ) signed an agreement with China Harbour Engineering Company Ltd. for this initiative, which will encompass the development of greenhouses, the cultivation of fruits and vegetables, and poultry farms.

Redefining Agricultural Zones for Enhanced Productivity

The administration's revised plans designate Fushidhiggaru Falhu as the site for the special economic zone, replacing the initially proposed Uthuru Thilafalhu. This initiative is intended to elevate the agricultural sector into a significant contributor to the national economy, according to President Dr Muizzu. "This project is expected to be completed in 2028, and the economy will start reaping the benefits," he stated.