Efforts to widen the Maldives’ economic partnerships in Europe gained renewed visibility this week as senior officials and business leaders from the Maldives and Germany convened in Berlin for a high-level business roundtable aimed at strengthening trade and investment links.
The Maldives–Germany Business Roundtable brought together policymakers, institutional representatives and private sector figures from both countries to explore collaboration across priority sectors. The forum was organised by the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade, Invest Maldives, the Embassy of Maldives in Germany, and the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Opening remarks were delivered by Dr Volker Treier, Head of Foreign Trade and Member of the Executive Board of the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry, who pointed to Germany’s growing interest in the Maldives as an emerging investment destination and stressed the value of sustained public–private engagement.
Minister of Economic Development and Trade Mohamed Saeed followed with remarks outlining the government’s approach to economic reform and its focus on maintaining a transparent and investor-friendly business environment. He referred to priority investment sectors and reiterated the Maldives’ openness to strategic partnerships with German companies.
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu delivered the keynote address, linking expanded trade ties with broader goals of economic resilience, fiscal discipline and sustainable growth. He spoke of the government’s intention to deepen commercial engagement between the two countries.
A statement on behalf of the Asia-Pacific Committee of German Business was delivered by Günther Mull, Chief Executive Officer of DERMALOG Identification Systems GmbH, who identified digital solutions, renewable energy, pharmaceuticals and emerging technologies as areas with strong potential for cooperation.
The second segment of the roundtable focused on investment opportunities. Invest Maldives Chief Executive Officer Nuha Riza presented on the country’s investment climate, highlighting policy reforms and facilitation mechanisms available to foreign investors. Minister of State for Tourism and Environment Dr Abdulla Niyaz outlined opportunities in sustainable tourism and environmental investments, including projects aligned with the Maldives’ climate objectives.
German companies attending the forum shared perspectives on operating conditions and market prospects, reflecting broader private-sector interest across multiple industries.
The roundtable also saw the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Visit Maldives and DERTOUR Deutschland GmbH. The agreement, signed by Visit Maldives Managing Director Ibrahim Shiuree and DERTOUR Director Jörn Krausser, is intended to strengthen tourism promotion and cooperation in the German market.
As the Maldives marks sixty years of diplomatic relations with Germany this year, the roundtable signals a continued effort to position the country not only as a tourism destination but as a partner for diversified investment and sectoral collaboration.
