Minister Zareer Says Debt Repayments Have Strengthened Maldives’ Investor Appeal

Minister of Finance and Public Enterprises has said continued debt repayments are strengthening investor confidence in the Maldives, with investors showing interest in bringing major investments to the country.

Responding to a question from South Fuvahmulah MP Ibrahim Hussain in Parliament on Tuesday, Zareer highlighted the benefits of meeting the state’s debt obligations.

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The Minister said governments have always serviced the country’s debt but noted that the largest single debt payment made by the current administration was the USD 500 million sukuk issued in 2021.

The Government fully settled the sukuk last April, paying the USD 500 million principal along with a USD 24.68 million coupon payment in a single transaction without taking on additional loans.

Zareer said continued debt servicing has strengthened investor confidence and contributed to an improvement in the Maldives’ credit rating.

“The reason we know investor confidence has increased is that most investors we meet now hold a positive view toward the Maldives and are considering major investments,” Zareer said.

He added that the Government expects major investments to enter the country in the near future as it continues to meet its debt obligations.

The Government has paid MVR 9.5 billion in debt servicing so far this year, while MVR 12.9 billion has been allocated for debt servicing in the 2026 national budget.