A digest of news and opinion from the Maldives.
A 12% increase in national income is expected in 2017 compared to 2016. According to the government, this is due to the increasing economic growth rate and economic development projects that have been implemented successfully. During the year, import duty for cigarettes, fizzy drinks and energy drinks was increased. Additionally, an airport development fee policy […]
Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, Iwao Horii (R), presents disaster reduction equipment on behalf of the Japanese government to the Maldives, received by state defence minister Mohamed Zuhair. PHOTO/FOREIGN MINISTRY The government of Japan has gifted equipment worth USD 9.9 million (MVR 152 million) for protection against natural disasters to the Maldives. According to the […]
President Abdulla Yameen shakes hands with attendees at the National Youth Awards 2017. PHOTO: HUSSAIN WAHEED/MIHAARU President Abdulla Yameen has declared that he has no plans to construct more jails for the youth, but rather he wants to engage the youth in activities that will strengthen and build the economy. Speaking at the National Youth […]
President Abdulla Yameen speaks at the National Youth Awards 2017. PHOTO: HUSSAIN WAHEED/MIHAARU Loans are a vital necessity to develop and improve the state of the nation, declared President Abdulla Yameen on Sunday. Speaking at the Youth Awards ceremony held at Dharubaaruge convention centre, the president responded to the opposition’s criticism of the government’s policy […]
In the first 3 quarters of 2017, over USD 2.07 billion has been recorded as tourism receipts. This is 2.8% more than the tourism earning for the same period of 2016. In 2016, USD 2.01 billion was received from January to October. The tourism receipts are calculated based on the Goods and Services Tax (GST) […]
State Bank of India (SBI) opens up a branch in Hulhumale’. During a special ceremony held on 26 November, the new branch was officially unveiled by Governor of MMA Mr Ahmed Naseer. Ambassador of India to Maldives Mr Akhilesh Mishra also participated in the event. SBI branch of Hulhumale’ is located in the 3rd unit […]
In October 2017, the inflation rate in Maldives went down by 0.27%. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, the price of fish products went down by 5.24% and Vegetables by 2.97%. Price of entertainment services decreased by 2.16% and price of clothing items also decreased by 0.63%. Prices that have gone up in October […]
The Old Friday Mosque in capital Male. The government on Monday annulled its earlier notice seeking contractors to develop a cafeteria in the grounds of the Old Friday Mosque in capital Male. The housing ministry on Sunday had revealed plans to develop a garden and café in the grounds of Old Friday Mosque, one of […]
Lesser Noddy, a protected bird species in the Maldives. PHOTO/MALDIVES BIODIVERSITY The Environment Protection Agency (EPA) on Monday warned action against individuals who catch the migratory birds that travel through the Maldives. Many migrant bird species travel from the northern hemisphere during autumn to their winter destinations. As such, birds that are not normally seen […]