Maldives has postponed its annual Investment Forum from October to November this year, with special opportunities for local software developers to attend.
Economic minister Mohamed Saeed announced Thursday that the Maldives Investment Forum will be held on November 21 and 22 in Indian capital New Delhi. He explained that the decision was taken after discussions between the Maldivian and Indian governments and the dates settled were the only available options for a forum of this magnitude.
President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom had opted to hold this year’s Investment Forum in India during his visit to the South Asian neighbour last year. With the Indian government’s avowed assistance in hosting the forum, the Maldives’ foreign minister Mohamed Asim had visited the nation last year and met with India’s Minister of External Affairs, Sushma Swaraj, to discuss arrangements.
Meanwhile, the Maldives government has decided to provide the opportunity for local software developers to showcase their talents at the forum.
Minister Saeed stated that a software competition will be held in the Maldives and the top five winners will be awarded a trip to the Investment Forum. While the government will cover expenses for fares and accommodation for the five winners, an additional ten contenders will receive the chance to join the Investment Forum at their own expense.
“Lacquer work, mat weaving and canning fish are local work. Similarly, it is necessary for local creations to be put out there in IT security and information technology in such a globalised world,” explained the minister, speaking at the contract signing to delegate the management of small and medium enterprises’ loan scheme to Bank of Maldives Ltd (BML).
Minister Saeed noted that the government aims for the progress and promotion of local talent in the IT sector. Accordingly, locals that wish to proceed in this field will be given special opportunities to attend such forums in the future, the minister assured.
The Maldives had previously held two Investment Forums abroad with 2015’s forum held in Chinese capital Beijing and the previous year’s in Singapore. The government had sought investors for several large infrastructural projects during both forums, including the development of Ibrahim Nasir International Airport (INIA), the commercial harbour in Thilafushi island and the iHavan integrated development project.
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