Finance minister responds to world bank forecast on Maldives economy.

Finance Minister Ibrahim Ameer has responded strongly to a World Bank report on the Maldives' economic situation.

In its latest report, the World Bank updated its forecasts on the Maldives' economic growth to 6.6 percent from the previous forecast of 8.2 percent. The report said the Maldives is facing challenges due to its high borrowing and fragile economic state. The report further said inflation is expected to rise to 5.7 percent.

Noting that the Maldives will have its presidential election this year, the World Bank said that the increase in expenditure due to the election and the increase in the amount of money allocated to government companies to implement development projects would also negatively affect the economy.

Minister Ameer tweeted several times in response to the World Bank's professional forecasts. The tweets, posted in the local language Dhivehi, said the number of tourists visiting the Maldives thus far this year increased by 21.5 percent compared to last year.

'It is expected...