President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has met the executive committee members and senior officials of National Boating Association of Maldives (NBAM) on Tuesday.

During the meeting held at the President's Office, NBAM and President Solih discussed ways to develop and manage the boating industry in the Maldives.

NBAM also shared the challenges they face, citing the lack of a designated harbour to moor large vessels as well as the need for an internationally recognised crew development programme. They also spoke on the difficulties in collateralising sea vessels to secure loans, legislative issues that cause inconveniences in operating international cruise lines in the Maldives, as well as the lack of a national resource management plan to make the resources more accessible to everyone.

NBAM also expressed concern about the lack of an office space for the Association.

President Solih addressed the concerns raised by NBAM and stated that the lagoon next to 'Dhiyanaru' lagoon in Kaafu Atoll has been located for docking purposes. He added that the necessary land reclamation would commence in November this year.

He also assured the Association that the Administration would consult the relevant ministries and stakeholders to find mutually acceptable solutions.

NBAM - formerly known as Liveaboard Association of Maldives - was founded in 2007.