The proposed 2027 State Budget includes major infrastructure projects for Addu City, alongside funding to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), Finance Minister Hassan Zareer has announced.

Presenting the budget to Parliament, the Minister said plans include widening Addu’s link road, upgrading roads and implementing other major infrastructure projects to create new economic opportunities.

Funding will also be allocated to establish the Addu SME Trade Facilitation Zone, the first zone under the Government’s policy to provide targeted incentives for SMEs across different regions.

The initiative aims to ease business operations and support local enterprises.

The budget will also include funding for SME start-ups to encourage young Maldivians to become entrepreneurs and create jobs, rather than solely seeking employment.