Free trade agreements with major countries will provide opportunities for the people of the Maldives in international markets, President Dr Mohammed Muizzu has said.

In his address on the occasion of Labour Day, the President said the government would give priority to teaching workmanship and training people in various fields. Services such as daycare centers will be established, he said.

The President said he would give high priority to expanding the ongoing economic activities in the Maldives, launching new types of activities, and making new investments during this five-year term. He said he would expand tourism, increase fisheries and agriculture, introduce transshipment services, and strengthen transport services to create more jobs and increase incomes.

“Free trade agreements with major countries and the introduction of e-wallets and payment gateways to facilitate international financial transactions in line with the government's current policies will provide access to international markets for Maldivian products and skills. The government is working tirelessly to get these things done soon,” he said.

The government has now started increasing salaries and allowances for employees working in various services. However, increasing the salaries of government employees is not the only solution and the necessary education and training should be given to the employees, he said.

"It is important to introduce special housing schemes for government employees as well as workers in various sectors in private jobs. Priority should be given to workplace safety. Soft loan schemes and income-generating markets should also be provided," the President said.

The President added that 22 sectors have been identified in the Maldives where only Maldivians can work to earn an income. The roads have been closed to foreigners working and doing business illegally in the Maldives and such foreigners have been deported within 48 hours, he said.

With the government’s promising efforts, the workers have a bright future and many opportunities for prosperity. He hoped that every Maldivian worker would have an abundant, prosperous and prosperous life within the next five years, he said.