Public-Private Partnership for Development in the Maldives

Abstract

The introduction of tourism to the Maldives in the early 1970s, accompanied by rapid development in infrastructure amidst a stable socio-political and macro economic environment, has enabled the private sector to evolve from a personal sector in a subsistence economy to a development partner in a vibrant, dynamic economy. The forces of globalization and the emerging consensus for good eco nomic governance make public-private partnership in national socio-economic development an imperative. The article argues that such a partnership would entail a paradigm shift in the relationship between the two sectors. The partnership would necessitate (a) an effective dialogue platform between the partners; (b) a participatory role for the private sector in all aspects of socio-economic develop ment ; (c) phasing out government involvement in business; and (d) strengthening the role of the government as the enabling agent for economic growth.