Poverty Reduction in the Maldives: Issues, Findings, and Approaches

Abstract

This report was presented at the High-Level Forum on Poverty Reduction and Country Strategy held in Malé in May 2001. Participants in the forum assessed the report and presented their views on the specific role of ADB in assisting the Government to operationalize its strategy. The key findings of the report and discussions during the forum have been culminated in ADB’s Country Strategy and Program for the Maldives (2002-2006) and a partnership agreement on poverty reduction between the Government and ADB. The agreement will formalize a sustainable partnership setting a long-term vision and agreed targets and strategies for poverty reduction. This study was managed by Hideaki Imamura, Programs Officer, Operations Coordination Division, South Asia Department, with the support of William Murray. Marshuk Ali Shah, Country Director, Pakistan Resident Mission and former Programs Manager, Division 1, Programs Department (West), and S. Hafeez Rahman, Director, Operations Coordination Division, South Asia Department, provided overall guidance. Valuable assistance and support was provided by the Government of Maldives.