Climate Investment Opportunities in South Asia

Abstract

The Maldives graduated from least developed country status in 2011 and is now categorized as an upper-middleincome country. Its economy is expected to grow by 4.9 percent in 2018, driven primarily by the construction and tourism sectors. The low elevation of the Maldivian islands makes the nation highly vulnerable to rising sea levels. Its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement acknowledges the challenges it faces given its high population density, dispersed geography, and limited resources. Actions that the Maldivian government is taking to address these issues include relocating and consolidating its population from the outer islands to the greater Malé region to effectively use its resources. Given the country’s vulnerability, its NDC focuses on crucial actions to strengthen the country’s resilience to climate impacts and prioritizes mitigation in energy, transport, and waste. Invest Maldives, the government investment promotion agency, has invited private investment in agribusiness, energy, financial services, and infrastructure.