The Indian Government has extended a financial package of USD 500 million to the Maldives for the Greater Malé Connectivity Project.
The financial assistance was announced during a Digital Video Conference held today, between the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Maldives Abdulla Shahid and Minister of External Affairs of India Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar.
In a statement, the Foreign Ministry said that the Project will connect Malé, Villingili, Thilafushi and Gulhifalhu, via bridges and causeways of a total length of 6.695 kilometers.
Once completed, the Project will be the single largest infrastructure project in the Maldives.
In the meeting, the Ministers also reflected on the sea links between the countries as a way to enhance trade and commerce, and welcomed the announcement that the cargo ferry service between Cochin, Kulhudhufushi-Malé will be operationalized within the next few months.
Minister Jaishankar also confirmed the renewal of the quotas for the import of essential commodities from India to the Maldives. These essential commodities include rice, sugar, flour, onions, potatoes, eggs, dhal, stone aggregates, and river sand.
Minister Jaishankar further noted that the quota approved is larger than the amount approved last year, which he hoped would help ensure predictability of imports during this difficult time. Minister Shahid thanked the Government of India for renewing the quota for this year for all the essential commodities, and for the uninterrupted supply of essential items during the pandemic. And for the special exemptions made for the Maldives in this regard.
