- He notes the Maldives and the United Kingdom mark 60 years of diplomatic relations this year.
- “Together, let us build strong, forward-looking partnerships.
Together, let us transform potential into tangible progress” he said
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has delivered his statement at the Maldives UK Business Forum held Thursday at Landmark Hotel in London.
The forum is a key event during President Muizzu's visit to the UK, focusing on strengthening bilateral cooperation.
Starting his address, the President voiced pleasure to be in London, and especially so at a moment that holds special significance for both nations, as this year, the Maldives and the United Kingdom mark 60 years of diplomatic relations.
“Six decades in, our friendship has grown
stronger — supported by shared values, mutual respect, and enduring people-to-people connections” he said.
The President noted that just as importantly, commerce and trade between our nations have also flourished.
“In our two largest industries — tourism and fisheries — the UK plays a central role. British investments have helped shape our luxury tourism sector, and today British visitors remain among the most frequent and valued travellers to Maldives with over 180,000 in the past year alone” he said
He went on to note that Maldivian tuna is caught sustainably by pole-and-line and now has a prominent place on British shelves and in British homes, with more than 20 million US dollars, in exports annually.
But for him, he said this relationship is also deeply personal, as, like many Maldivians, he received his education in the UK, an experience that shaped his worldview, his leadership, and his belief in the values that drive progress: sustainability, diversity, and inclusivity.
“These are the same principles guiding the transformation we are driving at home to build a resilient and future-ready economy. One that delivers better opportunities for our people and opens new doors for international partnerships” the President said.
President Muizzu noted that the government is investing in key areas that will define the next generation of growth for the Maldives — creative industries, infrastructure development, human capital, and digital transformation.
He said these are not abstract priorities. They are already shaping how we govern, how we deliver services, and how we work with the private sector to create impact.
President Dr Muizzu went on to note five important areas earmarked for further development, which are important for the country’s further progress and mutual co-operation. These include,
-Creative Economy
-Digital Transformation
-Renewable Energy
-Fisheries and Ocean Innovation
-Tourism and Infrastructure
He said across five strategic regions, the country is opening new commercial mariculture sites to develop hatcheries, nurseries, grow-out facilities, and modern processing hubs. These are supported by vast lagoon access, operational land, and proximity to airports and population centres for efficient logistics.
The President noted with pleasure that at this forum, the Maldives Fishery brand was officially launched — a symbol of the county’s commitment to premium, sustainable, and traceable seafood, grounded in responsible practices and quality.
“There is clear space for British companies to plug into this growing, innovation-driven ecosystem. Including in marine science, cold-chain logistics, traceability, and sustainable packaging” he said.
Speaking on Tourism development the President said Tourism will always remain central to the economy of Maldives, but the country is diversifying the experience. Beyond luxury, we are expanding into wellness, sports, cruise and halal tourism, tapping into significant new market opportunities, he said.
The President mentioned that the new terminal at Velana International Airport, set to open later this month, will enable tourism arrivals to grow by several multiples significantly enhancing the tourism sector. This new terminal will also enable expanded cargo handling, air services, and regional aviation connectivity.
The President said the Maldives is positioning itself not only as a destination — but as a serious platform for investment, innovation and impact, noting that the country offers,
• Political stability with a clear vision for transformation
• A strategic location between Asia, Africa and the Middle East
• A youthful population with rising skills and aspirations
• And now, a vastly modernised investment framework
He mentioned that last year, the country enacted a new Foreign Investment Act, replacing 45-year-old legislation. This law strengthens investor protection, streamlines approvals, enhances regulatory clarity, and brings our business environment in line with international best practices.
He said the Special Economic Zones framework has also been reactivated — enabling project-specific arrangements for sectors such as energy, ports development, healthcare, education, and finance.
President Muizzu closed his remarks stating that the Maldives stands ready to engage in meaningful business, and stand prepared to deepen partnership with Britain.
“This moment is not merely about investment — it is about shaping a future-ready economy” he said and I extended a sincere invitation to explore the opportunities the Maldives presents.
“Together, let us build strong, forward-looking partnerships.
Together, let us transform potential into tangible progress” he concluded.
The Presidents official visit comes at a significant moment as 2025 marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Maldives and the United Kingdom. Ties between the two countries were formally established on 26th July 1965, the same year the Maldives gained Independence.
