Minister of Finance Ibrahim Ameer has stated the Maldives' economy will return to normal within two years.
Speaking at a press conference held by Health Emergency Operations Centre (HEOC), the finance minister said although the GDP was lower by 27-29% in 2020, it will be higher this year. He said the latest data has shown the tourism sector is recovering better than expected due to the availability of vaccines, and is expected to contribute to GDP growth by 13-34%.
Minister Ameer also said the government's economic relief package and stimulus loans is contributing to the economic recovery in 2021. He said the Maldives is currently one of the top countries according to GDP growth and that the government has analysed the latest data and expects the Maldives' economy to return to normal and overcome the predicted recession in 2022 and 2023.
Furthermore, the finance minister said the tourism sector is expected to return to pre-COVID-19 levels by early 2022, but the country still needs more economic support to return to normal. He also highlighted the importance of support and cooperation from the public in order to curb the spread of COVID-19 and ensure a fast economic recovery.