President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced plans to designate 2026 as the Year of National Innovation. Speaking in an interview with Public Service Media (PSM) during his second visit to the Maldives Expo 2025, the President emphasised that the initiative would be pursued holistically, with input and collaboration from all relevant stakeholders.
The President highlighted that fostering a creative economy is a core pledge of his Administration’s manifesto. He noted that the Administration aims to generate 15 per cent of the national GDP from creative industries, reflecting this commitment. He pointed to the Expo as a testament to this vision, reiterating the Government’s full dedication to advancing such efforts.
He further stated that the Government would provide creators with platforms to showcase their innovations, and would support digitalisation across the country to strengthen the creative economy. This year’s Expo, he remarked, is a resounding success.
President Dr Muizzu also noted that the Expo aimed to celebrate and promote Maldivian creativity, innovation, entertainment, and entrepreneurship. He observed that the event has been well received by the public and described the Expo’s revival after a six-year hiatus as a promising step forward.
In conclusion, the President reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to supporting local artisans, expressing his vision of prosperity for all Maldivians and for the nation as a whole.
The Maldives Expo 2025 was officially launched on Friday.
The decision to host the Maldives Expo 2025 was made by President Dr Muizzu on May 19, 2024, following a Cabinet recommendation. The Expo is a joint initiative of the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade and the Business Centre Corporation (BCC).