A workshop aimed at promoting Maldivian creativity and facilitating opportunities for creative professionals within the tourism sector has concluded. The workshop was held from the 1st to the 6th of this month at Bandos Nasandhura. Organized by the Ministry of Economic Development with technical assistance from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), in collaboration with the British Council and UNDP, the workshop saw participation from various sectors. According to the Ministry of Economic Affairs, each session was attended by about 50 participants, including representatives from different agencies, institutions, and other technical experts.
During these sessions, experiences and visions from various creative economic sectors were shared, and extensive discussions were held on the steps needed to achieve set strategic goals. Additionally, discussions focused on ways to increase benefits for those active in both industries by producing goods and services needed for the tourism industry and conducting business transactions. Speaking to PSM News about the workshop, Deputy Minister of Economic Development and Trade, Dr. Aishath Shahuda Abdullah, said that the first part of the workshop brought together creators and professionals on a single platform for consultative meetings.
“We brought together 14 parties from the tourism sector and 20 selected parties from the creative industry for consultative meetings. Business ideas also emerged from this. Looking at solving current challenges, collaboration between creators in this industry is not very common. So we then looked at how to connect one industry with another, how to link it with the tourism industry,” said Dr. Aishath Shahuda Abdullah, Deputy Minister of Economic Affairs.
The workshop also involved extensive consultations with government institutions and agencies to gather opinions and find solutions to the challenges in advancing this industry. The ADB, which provided technical assistance for the workshop, also noted that various perspectives were gained through the workshop. They also emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in advancing such an industry.
Establishing a creative economy in the Maldives is a key government policy. Efforts are underway to make the creative economy contribute 15% of the economy by 2030. The President has stated that next year will be marked as a year of creativity.
