Joint press release following the EU Business Roundtable

09.10.2019
Maldives

The Ministry of Economic Development and the Delegation of the European Union to the Maldives held the first EU Business Roundtable, under the theme 'Investing in Maldives' on 7th October 2019 at Hotel Jen, Male' Maldives.

The Ministry of Economic Development and the Delegation of the European Union to the Maldives held the first EU Business Roundtable, under the theme 'Investing in Maldives' on 7th October 2019 at Hotel Jen, Male' Maldives. The sessions were co-chaired by H.E Mr. Fayyaz Ismail, Minister of Economic Development and H.E. Mr. Tung-Lai Margue, Ambassador of the European Union to the Maldives. Ambassador of Germany H.E Jörn Rohde and Ambassador of Austria H.E Brigitte Öppinger-Walchshofer attended the discussions, along with honorary consuls and economic counsellors from EU Member States. A number of European businesses and potential investors from various sectors were represented at the roundtable as well.

Several ministries made presentations and provided overviews of policy areas relevant for investors, including the Minister of National Planning and Infrastructure H.E Mohamed Aslam, Minister of Tourism H.E Ali Waheed, Minister of Finance H.E Ibrahim Ameer, Minister of Fisheries, Marine Resources and Agriculture, H.E Zaha Waheed, and Minister of Environment H.E Dr. Hussain Rasheed Hassan.

"With this initiative, we hope to provide a platform to discuss ways and means to facilitate and improve trade and investment coming from European countries to the Maldives," Ambassador Margue said

“The EU is an important partner to the Maldives and the dialogue we established during the discussions is the first step in many that we would like to see to strengthen our relations.  I would like to assure the commitment of the Government of Maldives towards creating a conducive and safe environment for EU businesses and investors,” Minister Fayyaz said.

Noting that the business community was appreciative of the informative and interactive sessions, the European Union and the Government of Maldives agreed to continue the Business Roundtable initiative on a regular basis.