Business Centre Corporation (BCC) has decided to open Authentic Maldives outlets in Thoddoo in Alifu Alifu Atoll and Maafaru in Noonu Atoll.
Speaking to PSM News, Head of Outreach Ibrahim Ziyau said that BCC plans to open Authentic Maldives outlets in every region of the Maldives. He highlighted that the company is preparing to open an outlet at Gan International Airport soon and that opening more outlets in resorts this year is also a target.
Additionally, Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) Samih Adam highlighted the success of BCC since its establishment and said that it began with 57 suppliers, which have now increased to 260 suppliers. He added that BCC has disbursed USD3 million to small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
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.
Authentic Maldives is an initiative by BCC to promote the sale of local products. The purpose of Authentic Maldives is to provide a platform where small businesses could market and sell their local products.
The first outlet of Authentic Maldives was opened at Velana International Airport (VIA) in January 2020. The second outlet was opened at Hulhumale’ Centro Mall in November 2020, followed by a third outlet in Male’ in March 2021. Authentic Maldives opened its first resort outlet at Kudavillingili Resort in October 2021. The fourth outlet was opened in CROSSROADS Maldives in July. BCC has revealed efforts are underway to open outlets of Authentic Maldives in Thailand and Japan.