With one of the biggest online payment platforms, PayPal, being introduced to Maldives after years of anticipation, Maldives' geography will no longer be an obstacle to the economy, as was said by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.
PayPal is a service that was a part of President Muizzu's presidential pledge, with it being officially introduced to Maldives by Ooredoo this morning at Barceló Nasandhura in a special ceremony.
While giving a speech in English at the ceremony to introduce the service, the President stated that with the introduction of the service, the public may have questions as to how the service may be used from today onward.
"This means that those who manage guesthouses can receive direct deposits from tourists and can market services as well. Foreign bookings for dive schools can be assured with trust. Craftsmen can sell their creations outside our borders. Those who operate marine vessels can reach customers all over the world. Freelance developers can build extraordinary software from their laptops and safely deposit finances to their accounts," said the President.
"Your economic future will never be narrowed due to geography."
The President went on to say that as this year has been designated to be the year of national productivity by the government, the government wishes everyone to make use of international networks such as PayPal, and to change Maldivians own creations to international brands. He also said that he wishes the future seen by Maldivians to be one where Maldivians can sell their creations directly on the world market.
"Even if it is the lacquer work in the north, the sustainable agricultural products in the south, a designer working in Addu or a digital inventor in Male', excellent Maldivian production needs to easily enter the international market," said President Muizzu.
I say this to our businessmen, freelancers, manufacturers and Maldivians who dream big: the economic door has been opened. I urge you to come forward. To build without hesitation. To create with absolute trust. And to do innovative work without limits. To take your rightful place on the world stage.President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu
The President went on to say that for generations, our ancestors connected Maldives to the world via the sea and that Maldives had been isolated for many years. Nevertheless, the President said that our ancestors sailed the ocean with courage and awareness and that connecting the world and Maldives is an example of a maritime transport system.
President Muizzu also stated that even today, Maldivians are moving forward on that same path and that Maldives being isolated geographically will not be an economic obstacle any more.
"Our economic powers will never be narrowed because of our isolation. Our ancestors connected Maldives to the world by sea for generations," said the President.
"Today, we have connected our citizens via the path of digital economy. Today, this pledge has become a reality."
As per the President, the hopes and dreams of Maldivians are connected to the PayPal service and that he is grateful to PayPal and senior officials of Ooredoo for its introduction. He also thanked the Economic Ministry, Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) and the staff of other institutions in reaching this achievement.
"I say this to our businessmen, freelancers, manufacturers and Maldivians who dream big: the economic door has been opened. I urge you to come forward. To build without hesitation. To create with absolute trust. And to do innovative work without limits. To take your rightful place on the world stage," said the President.
The President stated that as a bright future only awaits those who make use of opportunities, "Maldives 2.0" has only just begun, and that pledge has been made a reality today.
