Collaboration with Alibaba Opens Global Markets for Maldivian Businesses, Says Economic Minister

Minister of Economic Development and Trade, Mohamed Saeed, has stated that the collaboration with Alibaba has paved the way for Maldivian businesses to generate income from their products and reach global markets.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the From Maldives to Global Markets Forum, organised in partnership with e-commerce giant Alibaba, the Minister described the occasion as a historic day for the Maldives. He noted that it marked the beginning of efforts to expand Maldivian products to international markets, under the Free Trade Agreement signed between Maldives and China.

Minister Saeed said more than 600 people attended the workshop held with Alibaba, including 250 established businesses. The number will increase with online participants, he said.

The Minister described the opportunity to sell local products on Alibaba.com as a significant step forward for local businesses. He highlighted that Alibaba’s platforms connect over 40 million buyers from around 200 countries, generating an estimated 400,000 daily inquiries.

"Businesses are not only selling their products. They are also showcasing Maldivian culture and identity to the world,” the Minister said.

Minister Saeed further said the workshop also provided training on preparing products for the international market, logistics, and other related information for businesses.