President Holds Press Conference, Informs on A Number of Matters

Yesterday afternoon, a press conference was held with new normal measures at the President’s Office. President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih communicated with journalists, and discussed on several matters. In a nutshell, here are the major takeaways from the press.  
 
Maldives has been setting examples in the battle against Covid19, with having secured vaccines at the very beginning, and inoculating a major portion of the eligible population against the virus. President Solih reiterated on the government's efforts to fully vaccinate over 90% of the eligible population by the end of this month, an effort backed by various campaigns and vaccination drives taking place nationwide.  
 
Maldives is also one of the first countries in the world to administer vaccines to children above the age of 12, with hopes that returning back to normal can be implemented across all sectors of the country. This initiative has allowed schools in the Maldives to reopen for in-person classes for the new academic year that commenced on Wednesday. More importantly, the government is currently working on the implementation of harmonized wages and as a part of it, teachers’ salaries are expected to see positive incrementation next year.  
 
President highlighted the massive achievements achieved by the Maldivian tourism industry as well, as a nation that reopened borders with minimal restrictions, among the first in the world. Close to 98% of the industry stakeholders are fully vaccinated now, ensuring arriving guests that Maldives is indeed a safe haven for them.  
 
An economy that fell has begun to rise as well, with exports exceeding 19% growth while imports close in on 50% of recovery. President also stated that the national airline, Maldivian, is in talks with foreign parties to seek interest for a Joint Venture in order to strengthen the business.  
 
Additionally, President Solih shared news with awardees of the Hiyaa Flat project that the Housing Development Project has decided to push back the grace period for renovations until December 2021. Accordingly, the rent for the unit will not be taken until then. For the government, this decision cost MVR 500 million in damages.