MMA begins first research conference

The Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) has launched its first researach conference.

The two-day research conference will feature keynote speeches, panel discussions, research paper submissions, and workshops.

The theme of the debut conference is 'Policymaking and innovation for the expansion of economic research towards a sustainable future'.

The Maldives National University's (MNU) Chancellor Dr. Mahmood Shaugee graced the inaugural ceremony as the chief guest.

Local and international researchers, financial institutions, and stakeholders of economic and financial technology corporations will be taking part in the conference.

At the first session of the conference, Maldives Governor Ahmed Munawar, MNU's Chancellor Shaugee and the Deputy Governor of India delivered keynote speeches.

In his speech, the Maldives Governor highlighted the importance of proper research in policymaking while MNU's Chancellor focused on cooperation among government authorities in economic research.

Besides this the MNU Chancellor also inaugurated the MMA Research Fund at the conference.

The fund aims to promote research and assist the work of researchers. MMA launched the fund with a pool of MVR 1 million, and has opened opportunity for both local and international donors to extend support in expanding the fund.

At the conference, two memorandum of understandings (MOUs) were signed as well, which included the agreement with Malaysia's Universiti Islam Selangor for cooperation in promoting economic research, education, and innovation; and the agreement with Dhiraagu to promote technology and innovation in expanding research towards a sustainable future.

The first panel discussion on Saturday focused on financial technology while the second session focused on climate change and the impact on Maldives from changes to global energy production.

Three research papers were submitted at the conference on Saturday with the first paper focusing on the disparity in wealth and inflation across the Maldives, the second paper was on GST's impact on prices and a third paper focused on housing rental prices in Male' area.

The conference will host workshops on Sunday.