INTRODUCTION

The IT Industry seeks to develop a vibrant Information and Communications Technology (ICT) industry, which encompasses both export and domestic markets, creating new economic growth and additional jobs in the Maldives.

PROJECT STATUS

A feasibility study on establishing an IT industry has been carried out and a set of incentives to the establishment of an IT industry has been formulated. In addition consultancy work on developing operational modalities and guidelines for IT incubator and Strategic Alliance Program has been started on December 27,2006.

OBJECTIVES

To help diversify the economic base by attracting IT companies and IT enabled service companies to be established in Maldives, and provide job opportunities for Maldivians in this sector.

DESCRIPTION

Following a feasibility study conducted in 2004, an IT Industry Implementation and Marketing Plan have been proposed. This IT Industry Blueprint is a 5-year action plan revolving around eight initiatives based on the three flagship areas of ICT infrastructure, ICT usage and ICT facilitation and they are:

• ICT Infrastructure: ICT Precinct; assist in providing key infrastructure necessary in seeding joint ventures with offshore firms.
• ICT Infrastructure: Applications Development Centre; act as the catalyst required to establish necessary capabilities in application development expertise.
• ICT Infrastructure: Technology Incubator; provide a vibrant environment for young people to establish IT ventures and to learn valuable business and technical skills.
• ICT Usage: Project Loan Support; ready access to development funds and financing.
• ICT Usage; Mobile Commerce and Payments Trial; provide a new base line of activity and facilitate a real working demonstration of the broader benefits and efficiency of electronic based commerce to the Maldives.
• ICT Facilitation: Strategic Alliance Program; creating the right environment for skill, knowledge and technology transfer and promote partnerships between local enterprises and offshore companies.
• ICT Facilitation: ICT Cadets; provide the opportunity for young individuals to explore career and entrepreneurial opportunities in the IT sector.
• ICT Facilitation: Skills Certification; aims to raise the level of professionalism and commercial orientation of the Maldives local industry capability.