Zameer says claims of selling Thilafushi port are lies and that receiving proposals does not mean the government is acting on them

Finance Minister Moosa Zameer on Monday dismissed allegations that the government is planning to hand over the Thilafushi commercial port to Dubai Ports World (DP World), stating that receiving investment proposals does not mean the government is acting on them.

Rumors have circulated in recent days suggesting the government is engaged in talks at various levels to transfer port operations to a foreign company.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony for the development of the airport in HA. Dhidhdhoo, Zameer said the “story of the port” had been circulating in the media, but insisted the truth is that many international companies are now interested in investing in the Maldives due to positive economic changes since President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu took office.

“We need investment in the port, in the airport, and in other areas. So if people want to invest, the President will look at whatever proposal is submitted. That doesn’t mean the President did something to harm the people. Someone submitting a proposal does not mean the President accepted it and did it,” Zameer said.

He added that President Muizzu is “a very knowledgeable person” who would not make decisions on proposals without hearing the views and recommendations of his ministers.

Zameer said the rumors that the port is being sold are “untrue and false,” and stressed that every decision made so far has been in the best interest of the people.

The allegations were first raised on Sunday by former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom, who claimed the government was proceeding with efforts to hand over the port to DP World. Yameen said senior officials from Abu Dhabi and the company had approached him during his presidency as well.

He compared the alleged handover to the 25‑year concession of Velana International Airport to India’s GMR during the Nasheed administration, describing it as “giving DP World the keys to locking the army’s arsenal.”

Former President Mohamed Nasheed echoed Yameen’s concerns on Monday, saying the port could be handed to the private sector to address overcrowding, but only through a competitive, two‑sided bidding process.

When contacted by Sun for comment, the Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) media officer declined to respond to the allegations.

The first phase of the Thilafushi port development is expected to be completed next year. The phase alone will cost USD 60 million and the full project is expected to take 10 years, according to an interview the company gave to state media.