Aid of $3m will be received for electricity: President

President Dr Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik has said that the Global Environment Fund will provide $3 million for the production of electricity in Maldives.

Speaking to reporters at the airport after his visit to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to participate in the Rio+ Summit, the President said that the World Bank will also fund two projects in Maldives.

“We hope to receive the money from the Global Environment Fund shortly. The two projects to be funded by the World Bank include one relating to the seas, and another to document and understand the natural assets and richness of the Maldives.”

A session was also conducted to provide information on sustainable tourism in the Maldives. The President referred to the success of this event and said that the efforts of the Maldivian tourism sector had been received positively by the world.

Speaking on the attention paid to small nations at the Rio+ Summit, the President said that developed nations highlighted the factors to be considered for sustainable development.

“Discussions took place on how to incorporate economic, social, and environment factors into development efforts. It was decided to hold a sustainable development summit for small nations in 2014.”

The President noted that the developing countries’ current target is to accomplish the millennium development goals.

The President met with several senior leaders of the world during his visit, and relayed information on the current situation of the Maldives.