President Muizzu Outlines Vision for Transformative Economic Growth via Inclusive Development

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has pledged to drive a transformative shift in the Maldivian economy by prioritizing inclusive development and expanding opportunities for local businesses on the global stage. Speaking as the chief guest at the opening of the SIDS Global Business Network (GBN) Forum 2026, the President emphasized the critical role of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) as the primary engines of growth for Small Island Developing States (SIDS). President Muizzu asserted that the government is focused on creating an ecosystem where entrepreneurial ideas can scale and access international markets. He noted that while financial support is essential, entrepreneurs also require the digital tools, networks, and infrastructure necessary to innovate and provide competitive services. To this end, the administration is working to streamline access to finance, strengthen digital payment solutions, and remove bureaucratic barriers hindering local investment. Central to this strategy is the "Maldives 2.0" agenda, which seeks to leverage digital infrastructure to overcome the geographical and economic vulnerabilities inherent to island nations. The President highlighted the Maldives Expo and the introduction of national digital wallets as key milestones in connecting local innovators with global trade opportunities. The GBN Forum, held from August 23 to 25 at Barceló Nasandhura Malé, brings together over 200 participants from more than 30 countries, including investors, researchers, and civil society organizations. This year's event marks the 10th anniversary of the forum and is the first since the adoption of the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for Small Island Developing States (ABAS) in 2024. By hosting the forum, the Maldives aims to reaffirm its leadership role in advocating for the unique challenges faced by SIDS. The government intends to showcase the Maldives as a model of successful development while continuing to push for more sustainable development financing on the international stage. The event includes five panel discussions and an MSME marketplace designed to facilitate knowledge exchange and investment across the SIDS community.