President to begin discussions on major economic projects today

President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom has said he will begin discussions on major economic projects with the relevant ministers today.

Speaking to the people of Vilimale’ last night, President Yameen said dramatic changes will be made to the procedures employed by the government in implementing economy-related projects.

“We will decide ways to attract major economic projects to Maldives, along with an influx in foreign currency. To increase employment opportunities to young people through these new projects,” President Yameen said, speaking of the discussions he will hold today.

Highlighting some of his manifesto areas, President Yameen said the government will include finances in the 2014 budget to solve the issue of single women facing housing difficulties after divorce.

President Yameen also said that young people often face difficulties in finding jobs due to petty crimes they had committed and that he will discuss with the Maldives Police Service to erase records of individuals under a certain criteria.

He also assured that MVR 300 million has been allocated for young people in the 2014 budget as promised, and reiterated that his ministers are working on assembling a 100-day road map. President Yameen said he has asked each government ministry to prioritize younger people in granting employment.

“I have told the Youth Minister that he has to knock on all government ministries to find jobs for young people and also make way for sports. So I would like to assure all young people that he [Minister of Youth and Sports] will begin this effort,” President Yameen said.

He also said that the Minister of Health and Gender has been directed to upgrade the current health center in Vilimale’ to a hospital, as soon as the government takes over operations of the center.