The Business Centre Corporation (BCC) has stated that Authentic Maldives has sold products from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and disbursed USD2.5 million to suppliers in three years.
Authentic Maldives operates four stores under its brand, including the duty-free store at Velana International Airport (VIA), Hulhumale' Central Mall, Male' City, Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives, and CROSSROADS Maldives. Authentic Maldives also started selling local products in collaboration with Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO).
Speaking to PSM News, Director Mohamed Jaushan said that Authentic Maldives initially started with 50 suppliers. He, however, said that three years later more than 200 merchants are selling goods in the shops with over 2,500 varieties of local products.
Authentic Maldives stores are also selling products sourced from Male' as well as the atolls across the Maldives, according to BCC. As such, Authentic Maldives stores are supplied with goods from more than 40 islands. BCC also stated that Authentic Maldives is also working to promote women entrepreneurs. In this regard, opportunities for women entrepreneurs are provided to start and grow their businesses. BCC said it aims to provide a good market for local manufacturers in Maldives and abroad. Therefore, BCC is also working to open Authentic Maldives outlets abroad.
BCC was established in 2017 under the Ministry of Economic Development, with the mandate of operating business centres in different regions, but began operations in 2019. There are currently 13 business centres across the country, tasked with implementing the government’s policies to promote and assist SMEs.