Maldives

Tourism is Maldives’ largest industry accounting for 28 % of GDP. Agriculture and manufacturing continue to play a lesser role, constrained by the limited availability of cultivable land and the shortage of domestic labour. Industry consists mostly of garment production, boat building and handicrafts, and accounts for about 7 % of GDP. The Government of Maldives launched an economic reforms programme in 1989 initially by lifting import quotas and subsequently, liberalized regulations to allow more foreign investment. Real GDP growth averaged over 7.5 % per year for more than a decade, but as a result of the tsunami, GDP contracted sharply in 2005.  However, economic growth has rebounded strongly in 2006.

Maldives has the lowest poverty levels in the South Asian region.

There is no UNIDO cooperation under way at present.