A special workshop series has been launched to facilitate the development of a creative economy in the Maldives.
These workshops were initiated by the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade, with the technical assistance of Asian Development Bank (ADB), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)and the British Council.
The workshop, being held from 1 to 6 July, is attended by government ministries, relevant agencies, businesses involved in the creative industry, resorts and international experts.
This initiative is aimed at fostering dialogue, knowledge-sharing, and innovation in support of inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
Speaking to PSM News, the Deputy Minister of Economic Development and Trade, Dr Aishath Shahudha Abdulla said the main objective of these workshops is to facilitate the creative economy to make the most of the opportunities available in the tourism industry under the government’s Creative Economic Strategic Action Plan 2024-2028.
According to Shahudha, these workshops will address the obstacles to foreign market access, identify ways for all stakeholders to work together and overcome present challenges.
In addition, the workshops will foster an environment for participants to share experiences and visions of various sectors of the creative economy and facilitate discussions of the steps to be taken to achieve the strategic goals, she said.
"The workshops will focus on ways to increase the economic viability of the two sectors in the development of services and goods and business transactions. We will also focus on shaping the future of Maldives’ creative economy," Shahudha explained.
Additionally, through this workshop, participants will have the opportunity, Shahudha said, to seek the advice and consultation of international experts and professionals from relevant fields on achieving the medium and long-term goals of Maldives creative economy.
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu meanwhile, has expressed confidence that his administration will achieve its target of increasing the creative industry's contribution to 15 percent of the nation's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ahead of the original 2030 deadline.
President Dr Muizzu's policy of developing a creative economy, aims to provide financial assistance to innovative and skilled individuals.