Need to expand existing industries to grow the economy: Dr. Waheed

Presidential candidate for the Forward with the Nation Coalition President Dr. Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik has said that the Maldives needs to expand existing industries and produce more jobs in order to bring growth to the economy.

Speaking at the presidential debate hosted by MNU and TVM in Dharubaaruge on Sunday night, Dr. Waheed noted the need for more job creation and importance to align the demand and supply of the job market to ensure that all those that seeks employment find appropriate opportunities.

“To expand existing industries, (the country needs) to further expand the tourism industry and open new opportunities. To introduce ways to process fish in fisheries, and facilitate job opportunities from these sectors,” President Waheed said.

He said that foreign technical assistance is important to expand existing industries and that he plans to widen Information Communication Technology (ICT) and financial services, and establish bunkering facilities in the country.

President Waheed said that his government has taken steps to reduce the state deficit within his past one and a half years and that his government has made some headway in this regard. More incentives need to provided to set up dollar accounts in Maldivian banks and increase the interest rate for long term fixed deposits of foreign currency in local banks, he said.

Speaking during the presidential debate, Dr. Waheed stressed that Maldives is in dire need of peace and stability and said that it is the only recipe to achieve sustainable progress. He said that it is paramount for people of all ideologies to work together, to achieve this progress.

He also thanked for Progressive Party of Maldives’ (PPM) candidate Abdulla Yameen and Jumhoory Party candidate Gasim Ibrahim for supporting his government’s efforts to improve the country’s status, since he took office in February 2012.

President Waheed continued that his government will establish renewable energy sources to power half of the country, which will make Maldives a beacon of renewable energy. He said that his coalition has pledged to reduce the country’s electricity rates by 50 percent.

He also pledged to provide clean water and sewerage facilities to all islands across the country and said that proper waste disposal mechanisms will be established and road construction projects completed within one year of the coming term.

The President also promised to shape the country’s education system to fit the 21st century, and that every child will achieve at least 18 years of education. He said that his administration will provide higher education facilities and better training opportunities for teachers.

He said that the teachers’ dignity within a society is important to attract bright people to teaching and said that his future government plans to provide 100 scholarships to for teaching each year. He also noted plans to improve salaries and allowances for teachers and provide permanent housing for seasoned teachers.