Main objective to attract mega investment projects, such as the Extended Kooddoo Airport project, was to increase job opportunities for Maldivians, states President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom, while speaking at the grand opening of the Extended Kooddoo Airport Maldives.
Local companies have been urged to give priority to Maldivians when hiring staff, President said while addressing the gathering of the ceremony. Continuing in this regard, the President appealed to all Maldivians to be more ethical in performing their jobs.
The increase in the number of airports all over the country was not only beneficial for the ease of transportation, but that it also contributed to the nation's economic growth through the widespread of the tourism industry, the president pointed out. Development of the tourism industry will in turn generate more job opportunities and various business opportunities, he further stated. Additional purpose for the development of airports all over the country was to extend the centralized tourism industry across the nation, the President underscored. Current administration is investor-friendly and welcome investors to Maldives, he further reiterated.
The new developments of Koodoo Airport include the extension of the airport's runway from 1200 metres to 1800 metres, and the airport being upgraded from category 2C to 3C. The upgrading project also includes a new VIP lounge and 2 additional staff accommodation blocks.