Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) has signed an agreement with India’s Finance Group to establish a permanent export service for perishable goods from India to Addu City.
Previously, perishable goods were imported to Addu City from India’s Tuticorin port via wooden cargo ships, which could only operate seasonally. However, with the combined efforts of MPL and the Addu City Hithadhoo Port, these goods will now be imported directly from Tuticorin port using steel cargo ships that can travel year-round. This new arrangement ensures a consistent supply of perishable goods to Addu City without seasonal interruptions.
The inaugural steel cargo ship carrying 150 tonnes of perishable goods arrived at Hithadhoo Port on July 10.
Additionally, MPL engaged in discussions with the business community of Addu City to gather their feedback on the new permanent export service. MPL's CEO, Mohamed Wajeeh, met with local business owners, emphasizing the importance of their cooperation to ensure smooth transactions.
During these meetings, business owners shared the challenges they face in importing goods and expressed their gratitude to the new MPL management for improving the reliability and ease of services at Hithadhoo Port.