Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef has underscored the need for decisive measures to eliminate corruption risks, warning that the Maldives' tourism sector—central to the nation's economy—depends on bolstering transparency and investor confidence. Speaking at the inaugural session of the Saudi-Maldives International Forum on Integrity at Villa Nautica, he stressed that effective governance frameworks are crucial in securing long-term sustainability.
The two-day forum, jointly organised by the Maldives' Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and Saudi Arabia's Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority (Nazaha), brings together representatives from member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to explore strategies for strengthening integrity within the tourism industry. Discussions centre on identifying vulnerabilities in regulatory structures and shaping policies to safeguard sector stability.
Tourism remains the Maldives' primary economic pillar, driving foreign investment and supporting national growth. Vice President Latheef highlighted the urgency of robust anti-corruption measures to protect investor confidence, noting that both government authorities and private enterprises must play an active role in closing gaps that could expose the sector to financial misconduct.
In addressing the gathering, OIC Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha reinforced the significance of tackling corruption within member states, describing it as a global challenge that demands coordinated international efforts. He underscored the need for institutional reforms to uphold transparency and accountability across industries.
The forum, themed "Strengthening Integrity and Combating Corruption in the Tourism Sector", has drawn more than 170 delegates, including representatives from OIC member states, government agencies, and international organisations. During the proceedings, Saudi Arabia's Anti-Corruption Authority presented a token of appreciation to Vice President Latheef, recognising his commitment to reinforcing governance standards.