Finance Minister Promises Major Addu City Infrastructure Projects in 2027 Budget

Finance Minister Hassan Zareer announced today that additional large-scale infrastructure projects for Addu City will be included in the 2027 budget, aiming to boost the economy of the country's second-most populous city. Presenting the budget during a session of the People's Majlis, Minister Zareer stated that implementing economic projects in various parts of the country, similar to those in the Malé region, is a key government objective. He highlighted that Addu City is the largest city in the country outside of Malé. The minister specified that the budget includes widening the Addu Link Road, developing roads in Addu, and other major infrastructure projects, which he said will open new doors for the city's economy. Furthermore, Minister Zareer announced that funds for the "Addu SME Trade Facilitation Zone"—designated as the first zone under a policy providing special concessions to small and medium-sized businesses—will also be allocated in the 2027 budget. He noted that businesses operating in Addu will benefit from these concessions. Additionally, the minister stated that the budget provides necessary funds for SME startups to help transform Maldivian youth from job seekers into job creators, describing this as a crucial step towards fostering a generation of self-reliant and productive young entrepreneurs.