Minister of Economic Development, Transport and Trade Mohamed Saeed has said the government has made significant progress in securing investments over the past two years, ranging from major projects to small businesses.
Speaking at the Maldives Expo 2026 awards ceremony, Minister Saeed said the government had worked to ensure that investments benefited businesses of all sizes.
He said President Dr Mohamed Muizzu had a distinct vision for taking the Maldivian economy to new heights. Despite the challenges facing the country, the President had outlined a clear path for national development and continued to provide guidance on identifying opportunities both domestically and internationally, the Minister said.
“The leading role in the Maldivian economy will undoubtedly be played by the country’s productive citizens. The President has envisioned that, by 2030, the creative economy will account for 15 per cent of the Maldivian economy, with small and medium-sized enterprises, aspiring entrepreneurs and young people with innovative ideas all contributing to this goal,” Minister Saeed said.
The Minister said the government’s efforts over the past two years had helped establish an investment environment that catered to businesses of all sizes. He added that significant progress had been made in attracting investments that would benefit businesses, from the largest enterprises to the smallest.
Speaking about this year’s Maldives Expo, Minister Saeed said the exhibition had expanded considerably compared with previous editions.
He said the number of participating businesses had increased from 240 last year to 600 this year, while the number of products on display had risen to 4,400. The number of exhibition districts had also increased from five to seven.
The Minister highlighted two new districts introduced at this year’s exhibition.
He said the newly established Visitor Economy District presented significant opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises operating in the tourism sector. He added that the district had the potential to bring transformative changes to the Maldives’ visitor economy.
Minister Saeed also highlighted the newly introduced International District, which will showcase a range of products from countries with which the Maldives has established, or is working to establish, free trade agreements and preferential trade agreements.
He said the district would feature technical products from these countries, helping Maldivian businesses access new markets and expand their products into wider markets.