Speaker of Parliament Mohamed Nasheed has stated the most important work undertaken during the first parliamentary term of the year was the compilation of a detailed report on the economic and social impacts of COVID-19 on the Maldives.
Speaking at a press conference held to provide information on the work undertaken by the Parliament of the Maldives during the first term of the year, Speaker Nasheed noted the COVID-19 report details the economic impacts and obstructions to daily lives and businesses caused by the pandemic, and recommendations for mitigation measures. He said the report provides recommendations on rebuilding the economy following the pandemic, with special emphasis on developing fisheries and agriculture sectors instead of solely relying on tourism revenue.
Speaking further, the speaker noted the economic recession caused by the COVID-19 pandemic cannot be taken lightly. In this regard, he noted while over USD 45.2 million is spent on the monthly wages of over 64,000 individuals employed by the government and state-owned companies, the total income of the state during May 2020 was just USD 12.9 million. However, he expressed confidence the economy can swiftly recover once borders reopen and tourism operations resume.
The government has announced plans to resume tourism operations in the Maldives in July. Ministry of Tourism and the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) are currently conducting marketing and promotional activities targeted for tourists from different international markets. The tourism ministry revealed several tourists have placed their bookings to visit the Maldives once borders reopen.