"We've indicated that a new government is going to rule [the Maldives] for five years and have expressed our view of diversifying the economy," Adeeb, who co-chairs the ministerial economic council, told reporters at the conclusion of the one-day forum. The minister explained that information on investment opportunities in other fields other than tourism had been given to the investors and that the feedback received was good as well. He added that the government would now approach investors without waiting for them to come to the Maldives. "I think all the investors will submit their areas of interest; some already have. Some will be tendered as standalone projects whilst some will go on as joint ventures," the minister said. According to Adeeb, some projects cannot be done without the direct involvement of the government. He said that the government did not wish to engage with just any party; rather with those who can provide enough funds and commence work soon after agreements have been cemented. "Our term is just five years and we want to realise as many projects within this term. We don't want to announce projects just for show. We want to delegate these projects to people who can accomplish it and see it through," the minister explained. According to economic minister Mohamed Saeed, the investment forum held at the Marina Bay Sands hotel had received a lot of support. With the remarkable growth in the tourism industry over the past 40 years, many news industries are being introduced to the country, he added. "You would have heard how existing and potential investors have spoken about the Maldives. They say with great confidence that they would invest in the Maldives; that Maldives is a fine destination for investment where people will honour them. We are showing today that Maldives has more industries for investment rather than just tourism," the economic minister said. The investment forum was also attended by President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom, several cabinet ministers and other top level government officials.