Maldives president Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom has concluded a brief presidential address on Wednesday at the parliament commencement ceremony.
The presidential address is conventionally given on the parliament commencement ceremony prior the Speaker addressing the date of new term.
In his address, president Abdulla Yameen had stressed on the achievements of past year and forecast projects slated for completion within 2018.
Keeping true to his normal tradition of fact-based briefing, president Yameen highlighted on the economic growth of Maldives that had reached to 6.9% last year while stressing on the hike in tourist visits by 8 percent.
President Yameen claimed Maldives was visited by more than 1.3 million tourists last year.
Furthermore he made emphasis on the recently received USD 160 million loan aid from Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates, stating a significant portion of it will be used in fisheries sector. The Maldives head of state highlighted achievements in fisheries industry during past year, including the opportunity for youth involvement through loan aids in starting ventures related to the industry.
President Yameen assured social housing opportunity for more than 160,000 people from greater Male' reigion (specifically from the satellite town of Hulhumale') by 2019.
Focusing on the achievements in the field of health and education, president had noted the introduction of treatment provisions for three diseases which were not treated in Maldives before including cardiac ailments. He also assured the introduction of WiFi to all government schools by the academic second term, while highlighting on the recent technological advancements brought to the field.
In his speech, president Yameen had also noted the achievements in sports while assuring the completion of a FIFA standard football academy in 2018.
He also forecast Maldives government will collect MVR 22.4 billion as state income by the end of 2018.
