The new strategy integrates market economic policies while taking into account domestic aspirations where the state assumes a strategic investor role in the development process. Vision-2020 entails stimulating investment to the value of 33pct of GDP from 2016 to 2020, of which 7pct-8pct would be met by the state. Focusing on the 5 hub concept (Naval, Aviation, Commercial, Energy and Knowledge) the government endeavors to develop world class infrastructure in order to integrate all parts of the country thereby enhancing regional contribution to the economy, with time. The identifiable new growth areas are construction (infrastructure and mixed development), tourism, industrial manufacturing, IT/BPO, oil and gas, marine and aquatic and agricultural value addition industries.

The transformation from a low-income country to a middle-income country also brings with it many challenges and opportunities. The Government that once relied upon concessional funding and grants would now have to consider working with bilateral lenders and financial markets at more commercial rates than previously witnessed. This aspect is well recognized and fiscal measures have been put in place to ensure the Debt/GDP ratio remains manageable at 50pct by 2020.