Finance Minister Hassan Zareer has said the Maldives needs large investments in sectors such as infrastructure, renewable energy, water security and coastal protection.

The Minister made the remarks while speaking at this year's Maldives Finance Forum, organised by the Maldives Pension Administration Office, which began today.

This year's forum is themed "Green Finance: Sustainable Investment and Financial Security in the Maldives".

The Minister said that, in addition to the state budget and international grants, the Maldives needs to attract private sector capital and long-term investment.

The Minister said that in a small economy like the Maldives, such major changes cannot be achieved through government resources alone. He said international capital and technical assistance will also be needed.

He therefore said that obstructing such important investments without looking closely at their economic benefits would harm the economy, and that the government's aim is to welcome responsible investments that are transparent and ensure environmental protection.

Noting that climate change poses a direct threat to the Maldives' economy, development goals and people's lives, the Minister said that oceans and the natural environment play a vital role in sustaining tourism and fisheries and protecting the islands, and that protecting these resources is therefore an economic and financial necessity.

Highlighting climate finance, reform of the international financial architecture and practical implementation – the three main priorities President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu focused on at COP31 – the Minister said financial assistance that takes into account the situation of small island states, and that is easily accessible and based on grants, is important.