President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has reaffirmed his commitment to further diversifying the creative economy by making global payment platforms, including PayPal, readily accessible to Maldivians. He made these remarks while addressing the community of Komandoo during his ongoing tour of the inhabited islands of North Miladhunmadulu Atoll.
The President recognised the pivotal role that advanced platforms such as PayPal could play in providing Maldivians with opportunities within the creative economy, supporting the achievement of the economic targets set by the Administration. Referring to the upcoming collaboration between Ooredoo Fintech and PayPal, scheduled to launch in 2026, he emphasised the economic opportunities that similar initiatives are expected to generate for Maldivian citizens.
Noting that 2026 has been designated the Year of National Innovation, the President expressed his hope that innovation would expand across multiple sectors.
He expressed confidence that the outcomes of initiatives aimed at expanding the economy are already becoming evident and stated that, in the near future, citizens would directly experience the tangible benefits of economic growth. In this context, he highlighted measures across various sectors, including the facilitation of tourism investment opportunities in North Miladhunmadulu Atoll and the strategic development of infrastructure, such as airports, to boost investor confidence.
The President further highlighted additional benefits of tourism development in the region, noting that it would generate employment opportunities for residents near the islands. He also stressed upon the interconnected nature of such initiatives.
He also drew attention to ongoing efforts to revitalise the fisheries sector in the atoll, including the development of a 30-tonne ice plant, for which an agreement was signed this evening.
The President stressed that these initiatives are designed to place the Maldivian economy firmly in Maldivian hands while nurturing growth. He assured that all such efforts are carefully planned and strategically coordinated.
