ADK Group's Chairman and one of the founding members of Maldives National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MNCCI) Ahmed Nashid has alleged the association is controlled by a few, which can only be remedied through the implementation of law.
While speaking at the recent meeting held by Maldives National Association of Construction Industry (MNACI) which was attended by several high-profile Maldivian entrepreneurs, Nashid said a bill seeking to resolve MNCCI's issue was submitted to the parliament already.
Nashid also noted the bill was submitted to parliament by Maradhoo MP around the beginning of the current parliament term.
"While the bill never progressed further, it is imperative that this law be implemented to ensure legal governance of the entity, re-establishing it as the National Chamber of Commerce again. It is my request both as an entrepreneur and one of the association's founding members," Nashid said.
Nashid who requested a solution for the association from President Elect Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, who also attended the MNACI organized meeting, said the Chamber of Commerce was founded by several notable industrialists with significant assets.
"But there is no news of the place now. Some individuals have hijacked the place along with its revenue," Nashid added.
Besides Nashid, Villa Group founder Qasim Ibrahim was another founding member of the association.
MNCCI, once a prominent association advocating on behalf of local entrepreneurs, had been noticeably inactive for the past eight years.
Nashid also highlighted financial losses local construction contractors face in receiving payments from the government for state-contracted projects. He added that the continued financial detriment of these companies have resulted in a collective loss of confidence from third-party suppliers.
"Even when we look at the health sector, supplies were recently disrupted due to which we faced delays in life saving surgeries. People had to individually procure equipment for surgeries, so this is in fact a serious concern," Nashid continued.
He said that besides construction industry, other economic sectors required solutions for prevailing issues.
Another construction industry businessman, Saudulla Hilmy said the sector had plummeted due to unpaid payments to contractors.
"When there were no funds, why were the contractors made to handle the projects. They have not been paid for six months, ten months or even exceeding one or two years. That is the current condition in the Maldives. Contractors have to run and beg for their rightfully earned income after billing for their services," Hilmy said.
Local entrepreneurs in the construction industry requested for a solution from Dr. Muizzu.
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