Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef on Monday outlined the government's strategy to cultivate a skilled Maldivian workforce over the next five years, calling it central to President Dr Mohamed Muizzu's broader vision for national economic transformation.
He was speaking at the inauguration of a national survey designed to assess the country's human capacity needs, held at the Maldives National University (MNU) auditorium. Vice President Latheef said the administration maintains its commitment to achieving developed nation status by 2040, a goal he noted depends on the emergence of an educated, capable and industrious citizenry engaged in income-generating sectors.
Reaffirming President Muizzu's pledge to eliminate unemployment among Maldivians within the current five-year term, Vice President Latheef pointed to progress already made. Among the steps taken, he elaborated, is the identification of specific job categories to be reserved exclusively for Maldivian nationals.
"As we examine the current employment landscape, it is evident that sectors such as tourism, construction, healthcare and education remain central to our economic engine," the vice president said. "Under President Muizzu's leadership, we are committed to expanding beyond these established industries. These sectors demand skilled hands and strategic minds."
The vice president's remarks also addressed new avenues of economic development, citing the creation of Special Economic Zones, plans for an International Financial Centre, and the introduction of bunkering and sea-to-air cargo services. These ventures, he said, have already attracted significant attention. He added that the upcoming opening of the new terminal at Velana International Airport (VIA) is expected to bring considerable employment opportunities.
Closing his address, Vice President Latheef called for collective participation in shaping the country's future. He underscored that sustained national progress relies on the involvement of energetic and skilled citizens and described the pursuit of a resilient, self-sufficient economy as a duty owed to future generations.