Zameer denies plans to sell Thilafushi port amid DP World claims

Finance Minister Moosa Zameer on Monday rejected claims that the government plans to sell the Thilafushi commercial port to DP World, amid reports that discussions were under way to transfer port operations to a foreign company.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony for land reclamation works for the airport development in HA. Dhidhdhoo, Zameer said reports about the port had circulated in the media for several days but did not reflect government policy.

Zameer said that since President Mohamed Muizzu took office, a number of international companies had expressed interest in investing in the Maldives due to recent economic developments. He said proposals were reviewed as part of standard investment processes and that reviewing proposals did not amount to decisions that would harm public interests.

He said that investment was required in ports, airports and other infrastructure, and that any proposal submitted would be reviewed in consultation with relevant ministers before decisions were taken. He said reports claiming that the port was being sold were incorrect.

Rumours have circulated that the government is engaged in discussions to hand over operations of the Thilafushi commercial port to address congestion at the existing port.

Former President Abdulla Yameen on Sunday alleged that the government was proceeding with plans to hand over the port and called for the move to be stopped. He said that while the government had not publicly stated an intention to sell the port, related work was continuing.

Yameen said officials from Abu Dhabi and representatives of DP World had engaged in discussions during his administration. He compared the proposed arrangement to the previous concession agreement involving Velana International Airport, which was awarded to GMR during the administration of former President Mohamed Nasheed.

Yameen also said that transferring control of the port would have implications for national security.