President Highlights Maldives 2040 Vision at Maldives–Germany Business Roundtable

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu highlighted key initiatives under the Maldives 2040 vision at the Maldives–Germany Business Roundtable held yesterday in Berlin as part of his ongoing official visit to Germany.

The President was received by Dr Volker Treier, Head of Foreign Trade and Member of the Executive Board of the German Chambers of Industry and Commerce (DIHK), and Mr Günther Mull, CEO of DERMALOG Identification Systems GmbH.

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Addressing German business leaders, President Muizzu said he welcomed the opportunity to engage with industry representatives whose work has shaped the global business environment and created long-term value.

According to the President’s Office, he outlined the Maldives 2040 vision as a commitment to strengthening the national economy, modernising institutions, and ensuring that economic growth improves daily life while safeguarding the environment. The president identified modernising financial systems, improving access to foreign exchange, and digitalising public services as key priorities. He noted that official reserves have reached a historic high, improving foreign exchange circulation, and said fiscal discipline remains central to government policy, with progress made in reducing the budget deficit.

President Muizzu said these developments have strengthened investor confidence, pointing to investment by major technology companies, including Google, in enhancing the Maldives’ digital connectivity.

He also noted the energy transition as a critical area for innovation, given the challenges of energy security and high energy costs, President’s Office said. Initiatives such as Project Solar City, he said, aim not only to decarbonise the economy but also to develop resilient and affordable solutions that can be replicated in island and coastal states. He described the Maldives as a testing ground for practical and scalable models.

The President acknowledged the longstanding role of German investors, tour operators, and financial institutions in supporting the Maldives’ tourism sector. He noted that 2027 has been designated as Visit Maldives Year and invited German partners to participate. He also encouraged investment in emerging initiatives such as the sustainable township project, Project Ayla.

In addition, President Muizzu spoke about plans to expand and modernise healthcare services, reduce reliance on outbound treatment and develop specialised services domestically. He said German expertise aligns with the Maldives’ development priorities. He also identified banking and financial services as areas for potential investment, emphasising the government’s commitment to a transparent, predictable and rules-based business environment.

Invest Maldives presented an overview of the country’s investment landscape, followed by a presentation from the Ministry of Tourism and Environment on tourism and environmental initiatives. Several German companies delivered briefs, and members of the Maldivian delegation provided remarks.

The roundtable concluded with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Visit Maldives and DERTOUR Deutschland GmbH on cooperation in destination promotion and marketing.

President Muizzu arrived in Germany yesterday and was received at Schloss Bellevue by His Excellency Frank-Walter Steinmeier, President of the Federal Republic of Germany. The two leaders inspected a Guard of Honour, introduced their respective delegations and took part in an official photograph. President Muizzu also signed the Visitors’ Book.

The visit takes place at the invitation of the German President and coincides with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Maldives and Germany.