Much of this was originally designed for use by the tourism industry, which has also grown rapidly following the decline of shipping, and now accounts for over one-quarter of total economic output. Otherwise, there is some light industrial activity, including fish canning, textiles and boat building. Hopes that the Maldives might become an oil producer were dashed when a ten-year exploration programme failed to locate deposits in the islands' territorial waters. The Maldives is a member of the Asian Development Bank and the Colombo Plan. Since the islands import almost everything, business potential is high, but only on Mal .
Most business takes place during the morning.
An informal attitude prevails. Appointments should be made well in advance. For business meetings men normally wear a shirt and tie and a lightweight or tropical suit. Women wear a lightweight suit or equivalent. Handshaking is the customary form of greeting.