President Mohammed Nasheed of Maldives extolled India’s success in overcoming global challenges and said that the countries of the region should join forces with India to take forward the economic growth to the next level.

The President was delivering his keynote address at The Partnership Summit 2010 on the topic ‘Global Partnerships: Meeting Challenges’.

Nasheed said, “The world is on the brink of next industrial revolution – the one based on renewable energy. India is already in the forefront of developing renewable energy. However, it should evolve strategies to protect itself from the fluctuating oil prices, as countries that do not understand renewable energy will not be the leaders of the bold, brave new future.”

About Maldivian economy, he said that his government is in the process of opening it up for foreign investments. He said, “From water and sewerage, to aquaculture and fishing, the message is the same: we are open for business.”

He said that many Indian companies have already invested in Maldives and reaped rich dividends for it. The Taj Group that has two resorts in Maldives is one of the pioneers in this endeavor. Suzlon has already signed agreement to build wind farm in the southern parts of Maldives. GMR has signed a pact to develop an international port in northern parts of the country.

He invited India Inc to visit ‘Invest Maldives’ website for more information on the liberalization policies initiated by his government to attract foreign investment. With the Maldivian airlines flying directly between Male and Chennai, the President hoped the ties between the two countries would see an upsurge.