President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has revealed that businesses play a pivotal role in sustaining the economy of the Maldives.

Taking the podium at the GOLD 100 Gala event held at CROSSROADS Maldives, President Solih affirmed that his administration remains committed to assist new businesses on the road to establishment.

Further, he noted that the government will continue to be a partner of the private sector.

Highlighting the economic challenges facing the country due to the Covid-19 crisis, especially on the tourism sector, President Solih stated that Maldives is currently on the path to recovery with economic activities resuming and tourist arrivals surging up to 70 percent in comparison to pre-Covid levels.

The president went on to shed light on the significant role businesses play in sustaining the economy, adding that the businesses that won awards this year were are innovative, strong and successful.

He highlighted that these businesses are exemplary and were pursued resourcefully.

The GOLD 100 Gala, the most prestigious business-networking awards in the nation, confers the awards to the most elite 100 companies selected among over 13,000 business companies in the Maldives and is the only one of its kind. The listing features leading 100 business entities and is published by Corporate Maldives at each year-end.

100 recipients of the GOLD 100 awards were presented plaques on Tuesday, and President Solih also launched the Gold 100 magazine officially.

Special recipients of the Lifetime Achievement Awards were also presented awards by the president.

The invitation-only networking event brings together top executives of the Maldives business community and is based on a list of leading 100 businesses in the country, publicized by Corporate Maldives annually.