Bank of Maldives CEO Andrew Healy has stated that publication of a sovereign credit rating will give confidence to pursue opportunities in the Maldives, adding that a "B2 rating is a decent start."
Speaking in the opening of the first Guesthouse Maldives Conference, Healy said the credit rating was a welcome and positive development for the country and that it will bring in additional investment to the country. He said the third party verification shows that Maldives is on a level footing with comparable countries and island economies. Healy appealed to all to work on an individual level to boost this rating.
"In terms of that investment, the recent publishing of a sovereign credit rating for the first time in the country’s history means there is a third party verification of the country’s economic and financial health which can be compared against other countries. It gives investors accurate information and, hopefully, the confidence to pursue opportunities in the Maldives. A B2 rating is decent start. It shows that Maldives is on a level footing with comparable countries and island economies. But we need to not only maintain but to seek to improve this rating. And we can all play a part in that." Healy said.
Noting that conference organizers have set an ambitious target of attracting 500,000 guesthouse tourists per year by 2020, Healy pledged assistance to achieve this target. He said BML had initiated BML payment gateway and online banking services and MVR 2 billion in business loans to boost the businesses.
"I know today’s conference organizers have set an ambitious target of attracting 500,000 guesthouse tourists per year by 2020, and we give you our commitment that we will help you attain that target," Healy said.
