Speaker of the Parliament and former president of the Maldives, Mohamed Nasheed has stated that it is his hope that China facilitates easier loan repayment arrangements as verbally agreed. Nasheed made the statement in a message sent on the occasion of the New Year.
In his message, Nasheed said the former government had taken on a mountain of debt, and that the Maldives’ financial status was not in a good place. He expressed that it was his hope that China would give certainty to verbal expressions of debt relief.
Nasheed acknowledged that although he had lots of hopes for 2021, not everything in 2021 will be smooth sailing. Although resorts are able to increase occupancy to 80 percent and although the fishing industry is able to sell 150 tonnes of fish, the government's finances will remain in a mess, said Nasheed.
“Despite our challenges, I remain optimistic. Maldivians have always persevered and prospered, in spite of the odds. I have every confidence in the character and ingenuity of our people. Our best times are yet to come,” wrote Nasheed.
