The Administration has provided further details regarding President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s decision to develop and implement the "National Development Masterplan for the Next 20 Years" in a sustainable manner. Chief Spokesperson at the President's Office, Heena Waleed, made these remarks during a press conference held at the President’s Office on Tuesday.
The decision followed comprehensive deliberations on a proposal presented by the Principal Secretary to the President on Public Policy during the September 16, 2024, Sunday Cabinet meeting.
The Cabinet had decided to oversee the implementation of the plan, recognising that national development includes both economic and human development, which facilitates and revitalises nationalism, embodying its characteristics and virtues. This includes incorporating the fundamental principles of the National Development Masterplan into the Constitution, thereby ensuring the plan's protection under the law, and enacting a separate statute that delineates the criteria for any future modifications to the plan.
Furthermore, the Cabinet will constitute a team of experts in economic development, social planning, environmental and climate change, governance, and spatial planning, with oversight by local authorities. Competent locals will lead the team, ensuring the preservation of vision and nationalism. The Cabinet has scheduled the commencement of the plan's formulation for November 2024, with a completion target of 12 months.
At a press conference, the Chief Spokesperson at the President's Office, Heena Waleed, presented details of the plan to the media and addressed their inquiries. Minister of Economic Development and Trade, Mohamed Saeed, also provided an update on the Ministry's key initiatives. He outlined the benefits of the Free Trade Agreement between the Maldives and China, reported on progress in building a creative economy, and discussed other significant Ministry activities.
