AGP Executive Report

Pakistan Ties: President Mohamed Muizzu wrapped up his state visit with 20 agreements covering trade, defence, education and other sectors. Both countries set a goal of lifting trade from about $13.9 million to $200 million in two years and agreed to pursue direct flights. Muizzu also called for an early SAARC summit. Severe Weather: Heavy rain flooded streets in Malé, prompting orange warnings from Kaafu to Vaavu and an HDC call for residents needing help to dial 1516. Regional Cooperation: The Maldives and Oman held their first political consultations, discussing tourism, fisheries, renewable energy and the blue economy. India Links: Three Indian naval vessels arrived in Malé for joint training and professional exchanges, while Indian and Maldivian tourism leaders discussed closer cooperation. Climate Risk: An ADB report warns coastal flooding could cause welfare losses equal to 3.8% in the Maldives, among the highest impacts for atoll nations. Tree-Planting Plan: Pakistan’s offer of 100,000 olive cuttings for the Maldives’ tree-planting drive has drawn criticism from experts who say olives may not suit the tropical climate.

Pakistan Visit: President Mohamed Muizzu’s state visit produced 20 agreements covering defence, maritime security, health, education and other sectors. The two countries aim to lift annual trade from $13.9 million to $200 million within two years and agreed to pursue direct flights. Muizzu also called for an early SAARC summit, stalled since 2014. Severe Weather: Heavy rain flooded streets in Malé, while around 90% of homes in Fiyoaree were affected. Authorities deployed pumps and urged residents and seafarers to take precautions. Public Spending: Government salary spending has risen 14% to MVR 5.6 billion, while total expenditure has outpaced revenue so far this year.

Pakistan Visit: President Mohamed Muizzu’s state visit produced 20 agreements spanning defence, maritime security, technology, health, education, tourism and other sectors. Pakistan and the Maldives also set a goal of lifting bilateral trade from $13.9 million to $200 million within two years; direct flights are under discussion. Tourism: A bill before Parliament would remove the 17% GST on tourism services sold by foreign operators without a local establishment and require refunds for tax collected since October 1. Airport: From October 25, ten airlines will move international check-in to Terminal 2 at Velana International Airport, adding capacity for the winter travel season. Rasmalé: President Muizzu says the development could create 14,000 permanent jobs and 54,000 roles during construction, while insisting land would be leased, not sold to foreigners. Tennis: The Maldives opened their Billie Jean King Cup campaign with a 3–0 win over Bhutan in Islamabad.

Pakistan Visit: President Mohamed Muizzu arrived in Islamabad for a three-day state visit, the first by a Maldivian president in 11 years. Talks with Pakistan’s leaders and a business forum are expected to cover trade, defence, maritime security and other areas, with agreements planned as the countries mark 60 years of diplomatic ties. Tourism Taxes: The government has asked Parliament to repeal the new tax on foreign tour operators and booking platforms, reversing a measure introduced this month after industry pushback. Rasmalé Development: Muizzu says properties in the Eagle Hills project will be leased for 99 years and resold only to the Maldivian government, which will decide whether to transfer them. He has also rejected claims the project could allow foreign religious settlements. Clean Energy: China has donated 880 solar-powered streetlights for installation on local islands. Judiciary: A Judicial Service Commission committee plans to recommend that Parliament dismiss Civil Court Judge Abdulla Ihsan after a disciplinary inquiry. Currency Crackdown: Police arrested two foreign nationals over alleged unlicensed dollar trading.

Pakistan Visit: President Mohamed Muizzu arrived in Islamabad for a three-day state visit, the first by a Maldivian president in 11 years. Talks with Pakistan’s leaders and a business forum are expected to advance trade, investment, defence and other cooperation, with agreements also anticipated. Political Tensions: Police are investigating a social media post by former deputy minister Hassan Zihan urging an arson attack on the Supreme Court, President’s Office and Parliament. Tourism Taxes: The government has introduced a bill to repeal the 17% GST on overseas booking platforms and travel agents, less than a month after the tax took effect. Changing Seas: Maldivian fishers report shifting seasonal winds and currents, disrupting the arrival of bait and traditional fishing patterns. Tourism Outlook: Tourist arrivals fell 3.9% in early October, according to a recent report.

Pakistan Visit: President Mohamed Muizzu begins a three-day state visit to Pakistan, where a business forum will explore trade and investment and officials expect agreements across several sectors. It is the first visit by a Maldivian president in more than a decade. Energy: The government signed an MoU with a Chinese company for a 15-megawatt solar system and battery storage, supporting its target of generating 33% of electricity from renewables by 2028. Rasmale’ Dispute: Opponents launched a silent protest calling for the project to be suspended, citing a lack of transparency over the planned allocation of 500 hectares to UAE-based Eagle Hills. Fisheries: A Malaysian company will build ice plants on 11 islands, each with 30-tonne production capacity and 50-tonne storage, to improve fishermen’s access to ice. Public Health: The Maldives is hosting a five-day WHO regional meeting on pandemic preparedness, with delegates reviewing disease surveillance and outbreak response. Online Scams: Police report MVR 387,881 in losses across 38 scam cases last week; more than half the money has been recovered.

Pakistan Visit: President Mohamed Muizzu begins a three-day state visit to Pakistan on October 20, the first by a Maldivian president in 11 years. Talks are expected to cover trade, investment, health, defence and maritime security, with a business forum and several agreements planned. Foreign Exchange: India has approved a rollover of the Maldives’ roughly US$316 million currency-swap facility, extending repayment time rather than providing new funds. Food Waste: The Maldives ranks highest globally in per-capita food waste, at about 260 kilograms per person annually, according to UN figures cited in a new report. Financial Regulation: The central bank fined MS Finance Exchange MVR 500,000 and suspended its licence for breaching money-changing rules. Judiciary: A Sun poll found 70.4% of respondents believe the removal of three Supreme Court judges was politically motivated; the investigation was later closed for lack of evidence. Health Cooperation: A Maldivian health delegation is in China for a five-day visit focused on healthcare, training and pharmaceutical cooperation.

Pakistan Visit: President Mohamed Muizzu begins a three-day state visit on Tuesday, the first by a Maldivian president in 11 years. Talks with Pakistani leaders will cover trade, investment, health, defence and maritime security, with a business forum and several agreements expected as the countries mark 60 years of diplomatic ties. Financial Stability: The Maldives welcomed India’s rollover of a $320 million currency-swap facility. Finance Minister Hassan Zareer said upcoming debt repayments are manageable, citing Sovereign Development Fund contributions and efforts to boost foreign-currency inflows. Homeownership: The government has signed agreements with four financial institutions to launch equity support for first-time buyers and builders, offering up to MVR 250,000 to buy a home or MVR 200,000 to build one. Cyber Safety: Police say reported cybercrime cases doubled in the first half of the year, with 68% involving social media.

Diplomacy: President Mohamed Muizzu will make a state visit to Pakistan on October 20–22, the first by a Maldivian president in 11 years. Talks are expected to cover trade, defence, health and maritime security, with a business forum and bilateral agreements planned as the countries mark 60 years of ties. Economic Support: The Maldives has welcomed India’s rollover of a USD 320 million currency-swap facility, extending crucial financial support. Digital Safety: Police Commissioner Ahmed Mohamed says reported cybercrime cases doubled in the first half of the year; 68 percent involved social media, and scammers are using AI-generated content. Rasmale’ Project: The government says leases in the proposed Eagle Hills development will not renew automatically and foreign parties will not own land, with all agreements subject to Maldivian law. Water Security: MWSC is studying subsea desalination near Malé, testing deep-ocean water and assessing whether the technology is viable locally. Health Preparedness: WHO regional experts have opened a five-day pandemic-readiness meeting in Malé, focused on stronger health systems, surveillance and coordination.

Public Safety: Four people arrested after a motorcycle struck and seriously injured a police officer at a checkpoint on Sinamalé Bridge have tested positive for drugs and been remanded for five days. Police say 2,379 road accidents have been reported this year, including 96 in October. Water Supply: MWSC is studying whether an underwater desalination system could work near Malé, with a Norwegian company interested in developing the project if it proves viable. Telecoms: Former President Mohamed Nasheed has criticised President Muizzu’s call to increase state ownership of Dhiraagu, arguing majority control would waste public funds and risk political influence. Diplomacy: President Muizzu is due in Pakistan on October 20 for a three-day visit, the first by a Maldivian head of state in more than a decade; the countries are expected to discuss cooperation and direct flights. India has also approved a rollover of its Rs 30 billion currency-swap facility for the Maldives. Tourism: Fuvahmulah City won the inaugural MIB Guesthouse Awards’ Champion Island title and MVR 500,000 for a community project.

Road Safety: More than 2,300 traffic accidents have been reported this year, including 96 in October. A crash in Kulhudhuffushi injured two motorcyclists and a child. Opposition Politics: Presidential hopeful Faisal Naseem says former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih supports his MDP primary bid, though Solih has not publicly endorsed a candidate. India Ties: India approved a rollover of the Maldives’ INR 30 billion currency swap facility, set to take effect on October 23, to support financial stability. Pakistan Visit: Officials reviewed preparations for President Mohamed Muizzu’s October 20 visit, expected to advance cooperation in trade, health, education and tourism. Women’s Tennis: The Maldives team has arrived in Islamabad for the Billie Jean King Cup Asia/Oceania Group III, beginning October 21. Economic Outlook: The economy grew 2.4% year-on-year in August, with financial services, retail and construction among the drivers. Flydubai Probe: Two Maldivian pilots remain in UAE custody as investigators examine a suspected plot; their knowledge or involvement has not been established.

Financial Stability: India has approved a rollover of the Maldives’ INR 30 billion currency swap, effective October 23, to support liquidity. Malé thanked New Delhi, describing the move as a sign of close ties. Economy: Output grew 2.4% year-on-year in August, led by financial services, trade and real estate; tourism remained the largest sector. Local Governance: Former Vice President Faisal Naseem and Malé Mayor Adam Azim questioned the government’s plan to reclaim 14 plots from the city council, including Sultan Park and the Fish Market. Food Security: President Muizzu called for more local production and resilient food systems, saying they are vital to national resilience. Regional Ties: The Maldives’ detention of 25 Indian fishermen has prompted families to seek help from New Delhi, while two Maldivian pilots have been detained in the UAE as a probe into an alleged flydubai cockpit attack widens. Sport: The women’s tennis team has arrived in Islamabad for the Billie Jean King Cup regional tournament, which begins October 21.

Financial Support: India has approved a rollover of the Maldives’ INR 30 billion currency-swap facility, an arrangement both governments say helps support financial stability. Fishermen Detained: The Maldives Coast Guard’s detention of 25 Tamil Nadu fishermen and three boats has prompted Chief Minister Vijay to ask India to seek their release and safe return. Rasmale’ Debate: Former president Abdulla Yameen says signing the proposed project agreement before drafting the required law risks breaching existing legal safeguards; the government’s plans remain under scrutiny. Tourism and Heritage: The Maldives is targeting 2.5 million visitors as it works to expand connectivity and resort capacity, while its bid to secure UNESCO status for seven coral-stone mosques has completed an international assessment; a decision is expected in 2027. Flydubai Investigation: Two Maldivian pilots have been detained in the UAE as investigators widen a probe into an alleged attack involving a Flydubai flight; the circumstances remain under investigation.

Fishermen Detained: The Maldives Coast Guard has detained 25 Tamil Nadu fishermen and three boats in Maldivian waters. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay has asked India’s foreign minister to seek their release, while India’s High Commission says it will assist through due process. Heritage: The Maldives has completed international assessments of seven historic coral-stone mosques nominated for UNESCO World Heritage status; a decision is expected in 2027. Politics: The opposition MDP has backed a constitutional overhaul that would split the executive into separate head-of-state and head-of-government roles. Public Health: A report warns of growing methamphetamine use in the Maldives and associated health risks, including HIV. State-Owned Companies: STELCO chief Ali Azwar has been appointed acting head of Fenaka, as the government moves ahead with plans to merge the utility into STELCO. Foreign Relations: President Mohamed Muizzu is due to visit Pakistan from October 20, with talks expected on bilateral cooperation and regional issues.

State-Owned Firms: STELCO chief Ali Azwar has taken over as acting head of Fenaka, while MTCC chief Ahmed Saudee will lead RDC as the government advances plans to merge both companies. Their former managing directors have been appointed state ministers. Rasmale’ Deal: The opposition MDP is demanding the government publish the terms of its Eagle Hills agreement for 500 hectares and hold a referendum. Pakistan Visit: President Muizzu is due in Islamabad on October 20–22, the first visit by a Maldivian leader in a decade, with trade, health and transport cooperation on the agenda. Fishermen Detained: The Maldives has detained 25 Indian fishermen and seized three boats; India’s High Commission says it will seek their release through due process. Food Security: Muizzu says boosting sustainable local farming can reduce import dependence and shield the country from price and supply shocks. Public Finances: Subsidy spending reached MVR 4.26 billion by October 8—MVR 1.37 billion above the annual budget allocation. Health: A growing methamphetamine problem is raising concerns about HIV risks, while the Health Protection Agency has launched an initiative to assess HIV awareness. Conservation: CROSSROADS’ 1.71-square-kilometre marine area has received official recognition, the largest OECM-designated area in the Maldives.

Economic Pressure: Official reserves fell 14.9% to USD 547 million at the end of September, while usable reserves dropped to USD 169.8 million. Former president Mohamed Nasheed says businesses are struggling to import goods and make overseas payments. Security and Sovereignty: The UAE has detained two Maldivian pilots as it investigates the alleged Flydubai cockpit attack; authorities have not disclosed the allegations against them. Separately, the Maldives detained 25 Indian fishermen and three boats over alleged fishing in its waters, prompting families to seek their release. Foreign Relations: President Mohamed Muizzu is due to visit Pakistan on October 20–22, with around a dozen agreements under discussion, including cooperation on health, education and direct flights. Investment Rules: Revised rules require at least 25% Maldivian ownership in several foreign-investment sectors, with some activities reserved for locals. Climate: The Met Office says El Niño strengthened sharply in September, with unusually warm seas and potential effects on rainfall and temperatures.