Development

Gaumee Iththihaad policy on national development is to promote equal opportunity in human and environmental development.  Maldives is on the verge of transition from an LDC to a MIC, during which policies have to be adopted to protect the poor and vulnerable populations. The increase in GDP has not been translated into tangible benefits for the majority of the population. Graduation from LDC (Least Developed Country) status will result in withdrawal of foreign aid to social services such as health and education; where most of the development programs have been financed through international cooperation. After the elevation from LDC status, the country will be forced to rely increasingly on national revenues. A new policy package is needed to reduce poverty and to increase the quality of services.

Hence the objectives of the new development policy will be:

•  to reduce poverty and to obliterate the imbalances created by disproportionate development between Male and the Atolls,
  
• to ensure quality social services to all,
  
• to eradicate poverty through the creation of employment opportunities and increase in remuneration,
  
• to increase the GDP