The Indian government has extended free aid to construct an international convention center at Ukulhas in Alifu Alifu Atoll.

Foreign Ministry said that as part of the MVR 100 million in free aid from India to the Maldives, the Indian government has granted MVR 7,806,900.00 to build the convention center.

The objective of the project is to provide a venue for the local council, guest house owners and business communities to host conferences thereby promoting MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions) tourism. Presently there are limited facilities in the atolls for such events.

The Ministry said that India will be funding to build a specialized training school for the Police Academy of the Maldives Police Service, at Dhaalu Vaanee.

The grant assistance has been provided through the MVR 100 million granted to the Maldives by the Government of India during the visit of the Indian Minister of External Affairs, Sushma Swaraj in March 2019. The aim of the grant assistance is to conduct socio-economic development projects across the country.