Motion presented to Parliament to open COVID-19 free zones in Maldives

The Parliament has received a motion calling for the designation of COVID-19 free zones in the country for economic activities to be recommenced.

The motion is aimed to kick start the economic activities of the country which are at a standstill due to the virus and was submitted by Ahmed Rasheed, MP for Central Hithadhoo. The first reading of the motion will be held in tomorrow’s session.

MP Rasheed’s motion read that the economic activities including the tourism industry, for which 85 percent of the economy is dependent upon, are at a complete halt due to COVID-19. Due to this, the motion called to designate international airports in other areas of the country as COVID-19 free zones and re-open for international flights. 

He called for the promotion of Addu and Huvadhu Atoll for safe tourism after re=opening the Gan International Airport in the south. The same was called for the Hanimaadhoo International Airport in the north, under the motion.

International shipping vessels should also be arranged to dock at Addu and Kulhudhuffushi port complexes other than the main port in Male’ City, under the motion. The motion read that the number of go-downs in these locations owned by state-owned enterprises and private companies would increase as a result.

The motion then called for the development of fish processing factories across the nation and the increase in the capacities of these factories. The previously neglected agricultural industry should also be given a massive focus, read the motion. 

Based on all these, three areas of the country are proposed to be opened up, under the motion.

The government has already decided to reopen the borders of the country on July 1. Private jets will be allowed to land in different airports across the country when tourism is recommenced soon, according to the Tourism Minister Ali Waheed.