An agreement has been signed to establish a bonded zone and a duty-free zone at the Hithadhoo Commercial Port in Addu, marking a major step in strengthening the port’s role in regional trade.
The agreement was signed by Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) Managing Director Mohamed Rishwan and Minister of Economic Development and Trade Mohamed Saeed during a ceremony commemorating the 20th anniversary of the Hithadhoo port.
MPL said the initiative will enable the development of a duty-free zone, a bonded warehouse, and a bulk cargo facility at the port. The duty-free zone will allow traders to store essential goods such as sugar and food products at lower costs without immediate payment of duties. The bonded warehouse will provide a secure storage option for tourism operators importing goods under special permits.
In addition, the planned bulk cargo facility will support the temporary storage of construction materials, including rock and stone, helping to drive growth in the southern construction sector.
