In a concerted effort to tackle bottlenecks in the nation's primary supply chain, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu held separate meetings on 15 January with cargo vehicle drivers and clearance agents operating at the Male’ Commercial Harbour.
The discussions, held at the President’s Office, centered on the critical challenges impeding the efficient movement of goods into the capital. The cargo drivers outlined a series of operational hurdles, including a critical lack of designated parking near the port, bureaucratic delays in transferring vehicle ownership, and difficulties in accessing spare parts from bonded warehouses. They also emphasised the need for formal government recognition of their vital role in the supply chain.
Simultaneously, senior representatives from customs clearance service providers raised concerns regarding offloading procedures, operational hours, and the state of cargo handling equipment.
A key point of discussion in both meetings was the government's push towards digitalisation, particularly the expedited development of a goods clearance application designed to streamline processes. Further discussions covered the administration's policy on decommissioning old vehicles and fast-tracking the registration of new replacements.
In response to the concerns raised, President Muizzu assured both groups of the government’s commitment to collaborating with all relevant authorities to develop effective, lasting solutions, underscoring the importance of a modern and efficient port for the nation's economic security.