Minister Confirms 200-Hectare Agricultural Economic Zone in Uthuru Thilafalhu

The proposed Agricultural Economic Zone (AEZ) in Uthuru Thilafalhu will span approximately 200 hectares of reclaimed land, confirmed the Minister of Agriculture and Animal Welfare, Dr. Aishath Rameela, at a press conference today.

On March 29th, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was inked between the Maldives Industrial Development Free Zone Plc (MIDFZ) and China Harbor Engineering Company Limited, seeking to establish an Agricultural Economic Zone (AEZ) in Uthuru Thilafalhu.

With approximately 90% of food consumed in the Maldives being sourced from overseas, the agreement signals efforts to diversify the economy and mitigate the vulnerabilities associated with heavy reliance on imported goods.

Key Components of the AEZ Project:

1. Land Reclamation: The project will reclaim 200 hectares of land from UTF.
   
2. Primary Infrastructure Development: Essential infrastructure will be developed to support agricultural activities.
   
3. Establishing an Industrial Agriculture Park: This park will be the zone’s central hub for agricultural operations.
   
4. Construction of Terminals for Passenger and Freight Transfer: Terminals will be built to enhance logistical efficiency for moving goods and people.
   
5. Establishing a Fruit and Vegetable Production Base: Dedicated areas will be created to cultivate fruits and vegetables to ensure a steady supply of fresh produce.
   
6. Training Base for Agricultural Talent: To ensure the project’s sustainability, a facility will be set up to train and develop skilled agricultural workers.
   
7. Agricultural Products Logistics Distribution Center: This centre will manage the distribution of agricultural products, improving supply chain management.

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