President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has said that Gaafu Dhaalu Thinadhoo is set to be developed as a trade hub.

Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) was contracted late last year to develop a regional port at Thinadhoo. The Thinadhoo Island Council has given a land of 108,000 square feet to the Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) to develop the port.

Speaking with the candidates running for the Gaafu Dhaalu constituencies at the upcoming Local Council Election at last last night's session of MDP's "Rahvehi Fathis" program, President Solih said that Thinadhoo is planned to be developed as a trade hub which will bring major changes to the island.

He said that major changes are expected with the land reclamation and port development at the Industrial Zone on the east side of the island. With a regional port, international ships will be coming in as well.

The President said that the Thinadhoo Hospital is in the works of being turned in to a tertiary hospital while the rehabilitation center on the island will be expanded further as well.

The Atoll is also set to have an international airport according to government plans and the President said that they are in talks with two contractors regarding the project. However, the island for the airport project is yet to be decided.