Government plans to develop transshipment harbor, and Hanimaadhoo Airport

The Ministry of Economic Development has announced plans for a trans-shipment harbor in the Maldives, and also a plan for further development of Hanimaadhoo Airport.

The Airport is to be developed into an international airport, which can receive air-freight cargo directly from India.

Speaking to Sun Online on Thursday, Ahmed Mohamed, the Minister of Economic Development, Siad that the Maldives was in dire need of additional revenue-creating industries, and that a trans-shipment harbor would be a highly profitable service.

The Minister said that a large number of international cargo carriers used the Maldivian waters in their voyages across the Indian Ocean, and that a trans-shipment harbor could be built to serve their purposes. He said that such harbors could be developed both in the North and the South regions of the country.

“Almost all huge cargo carriers that travel from the east to the west and vice versa are using the Maldivian waters. We have two such international channels, one in the north, and one in the south. If my memory is not mistaken, it is a 7 degree, or 4 degree channel. If we can establish a bunker and other transshipment services for such cargo carriers, it will contribute much to our economy”, said the Minister.

The Minister also said that the Government was considering the development of Hanimaadhoo Airport, which is the nearest airport to India in the Maldives. He said that the airport could be used in strengthening economic cooperation between the Maldives and India.

“Hanimaadhoo is the closest airport facility that we have to India. While India is the third largest market in the world, if we can use the airport in carrying out various business projects by using the airport, it would increase our balance of payments, and it would benefit our economy”, said the Minister.

The Minister said that the Government was planning an investor-conference for the projects during August or September this year. He also said that this forum, aimed at business sector, would be used to finance other projects initiated by various industries as well.

“These plans may be executed when the Economic Committee and the Cabinet gives the go”, said the Minister.

The Minister also said that the second phase of Hulhumalé development was inclusive of an industrial zone, which would increase national income in the future.