Minister Zameer Highlights Accounting Profession as Foundation for Strong Governance and Economic Growth

Minister of Finance and Planning Moosa Zameer has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening the accounting and auditing profession, describing investment in the field as a foundation for prosperity, fairness, and sound governance.

Speaking as Chief Guest at the opening ceremony of the Maldives Accountants Forum 2025 on October 11, Minister Zameer emphasized that continued investment in the accounting profession is not a cost but an enabler of resilience, transparency, and long-term economic growth.

Organised by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of the Maldives (CA Maldives), the two-day forum brings together over 300 accounting and finance professionals under the theme “Strengthening Financial Governance and Accountability.”

Minister Zameer highlighted that the accounting profession is central to public finance management, 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 the integrity of financial statements and audits underpins revenue fairness, private sector development, and the Maldives’ credibility with 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,” he added.

During his address, Minister Zameer announced two key initiatives proposed by CA Maldives that will be incorporated into the 2026 State Budget, in partnership with the Ministry of Finance and Planning.

The first initiative is the establishment of an Audit Quality Review Programme for auditors serving private sector entities. This program will ensure that audit practices align with international standards and national regulations, reinforcing trust and integrity in financial reporting. “A credible quality review regime will uphold the integrity of financial reporting, safeguard lenders and investors, and strengthen confidence among international partners,” Minister Zameer said.

The second initiative is the creation of a national registry of accountants working in the Maldives. The registry aims to 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,” the Minister explained. “Together, they will lift standards, build capacity, and create a transparent foundation for both public and private financial management.”

Minister Zameer affirmed that the Ministry of Finance and Planning will collaborate closely with CA Maldives to design and implement these initiatives, ensuring governance frameworks that maintain independence, professional integrity, and alignment with the government’s digital transformation efforts.

He also called on the private sector, audit firms, and professional community to play an active role in mentoring young professionals, strengthening internal controls, and embracing continuous learning through the national registry and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) framework.

“The prosperity we seek for our people demands credible numbers, disciplined stewardship, and public trust,” Minister Zameer concluded. “The accounting profession is at the centre of all three.”

The Maldives Accountants Forum 2025 is the largest annual gathering of accounting and finance professionals in the country, serving as a key platform for dialogue and collaboration on financial governance, accountability, and professional excellence.