Maldives can attract investments without selling its soil, says President Yameen

President Abdulla Yameen has said that he did “not have to give up an inch of Maldivian soil” to attract investors to the country. He made the statement at a rally by the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) coalition to launch the January 18 Local Council Election campaign.

Speaking at the rally, President Yameen criticized the policies of the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and said that the MDP government “had to sell uninhabited islands and the mattresses on their beds” to attract investments to the Maldives.

“Isn’t that why they sold two islands next to each other, just for small and insignificant projects?” President Yameen said.

He said the incumbent PPM government has proven within the first 50 days of its administration that investments can be sought without selling the country's land and that the keen interest shown by investors for the Male’-Hulhule’ bridge project is evidence that the country still holds investor confidence.

Referring to his recent state visit to India, the President said: “I have also just concluded a trip. God willing, I did not have to give away a palm, or an inch of the Maldivian soil.”

He noted that although an opposition must hold the government accountable, the opposition must assumes its watchful stance after making way for the government to conduct its affairs by granting the budget and approving the cabinet.

The president also assured that his campaign pledge to develop Hulhumale’ island as a youth city will be fulfilled, but said a bridge between Male’ and Hulhumale’ is necessary to make it happen.

President Yameen reiterated that the younger people are very important to his party and that efforts to train young entrepreneurs as promised, are now underway.