Speaking as Chief Guest at the opening ceremony of the Maldives Accountants Forum 2025 on October 11, 2025, Minister Zameer said that ongoing investment in the accounting profession is vital to building a resilient and transparent economy. The two-day forum, organised by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of the Maldives (CA Maldives), brings together more than 300 professionals under the theme “Strengthening Financial Governance and Accountability.”
Minister Zameer highlighted that the accounting profession lies at the heart of sound public finance, resilient enterprise, investor confidence, and inclusive growth. “When accounting is strong, governance is stronger; when governance is stronger, the economy is more stable and opportunity is broader,” he said.
He noted that financial statements and audit integrity underpin revenue fairness, private sector growth, and the Maldives’ reputation among international financial institutions. “Public confidence in government revenue systems, investor trust in audited accounts, and our credibility with rating agencies are all tied to the quality and oversight of our accounting and audit ecosystem,” the Minister added.
Minister Zameer announced that the Government will provide for two priority initiatives proposed by CA Maldives in the State Budget for 2026, in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance and Planning.
The first initiative is an Audit Quality Review Programme for auditors who provide external audit services to private sector entities. This will ensure that audits are conducted in line with international standards and Maldivian regulations. “A credible quality review regime will uphold the integrity of financial reporting, safeguard lenders and investors, and strengthen confidence among international partners,” Minister Zameer stated.
The second initiative is the registration and national registry of all accountants working in the Maldives, which will improve workforce visibility, support structured professional development, and enhance compliance with evolving financial and governance standards.
“These two measures—quality review and a national registry—are practical, achievable, and mutually reinforcing. Together they will lift standards, build capacity, and create a transparent foundation for both public and private financial management,” the Minister said.
Minister Zameer underscored that the Ministry of Finance and Planning will work closely with CA Maldives to design and implement these initiatives, ensuring governance structures that maintain independence, professional integrity, and alignment with digital government efforts.
He also called on the private sector, audit firms, and professional community to actively participate in strengthening internal quality controls, mentoring young Maldivians, and embracing continuous learning through the national registry and CPD framework.
“The prosperity we seek for our people demands credible numbers, disciplined stewardship, and public trust,” Minister Zameer said. “The accounting profession is at the centre of all three. The Ministry of Finance and Planning stands ready to partner with CA Maldives and the wider professional community to strengthen financial governance and accountability across our economy.”
The Maldives Accountants Forum 2025 marks the largest annual gathering of accounting and finance professionals in the country, fostering dialogue and collaboration on governance, accountability, and professional excellence.
