The investment forum being held as part of the Maldivian Democratic Party’s (MDP) 5th Congress is an important foundation for connecting island councils with investors, according to former MDP President and former Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid.

In a post shared in connection with the forum, Shahid said that investor confidence in a country is vital, and that the forum lays the groundwork for building strong ties between investors and local councils. He also noted that a stable economy and the economic self-sufficiency of ordinary citizens are the true pillars of a strong democracy, which requires an environment favourable to investment.

Speaking about the forum, MDP Chairperson and former President Mohamed Nasheed said its aim is to provide, within the islands themselves, the kind of life that people currently travel to Malé to seek, and to improve the economic conditions of island communities. Nasheed said there is a great need for councils to develop and implement projects, adding that the party’s project office has been working closely with councils, which have so far submitted 100 business projects for investment.