MALÉ, Maldives — The Government of the Maldives has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing the national maritime industry by systematically reviewing restrictive regulations and upgrading port infrastructure across the country.
Speaking at a press conference held at the President’s Office, Minister of Economic Development, Transport and Trade Mohamed Saeed emphasized that current administrative priorities are focused on fostering business growth and streamlining operations within the trade sector.
Regulatory Overhauls and Business Dialogue
In response to inquiries regarding fiscal and policy constraints, including withholding taxes on container leasing for Maldivian-registered companies, Minister Saeed assured that the administration is actively working to eliminate regulatory obstacles.
Addressing concerns regarding recent regulations affecting shipping agents and freight handlers, the Minister stated that the ministry will collaborate with the maritime department to review and rectify these frameworks.
The Ministry of Economic Development, Transport and Trade has utilized structured dialogue to address industry challenges, conducting 26 Business Council sessions with private sector stakeholders to date.
“We are prepared to adjust any operational frameworks creating obstacles for the maritime sector, executing these changes within current legal parameters or seeking legislative amendments where necessary,” Minister Saeed stated.
The Business Council sessions regularly include representatives from national ports, facilitating real-time operational solutions through direct consultation.
Infrastructure and Port Modernization
The Minister acknowledged that operational challenges persist at regional ports due to initial design and construction layouts, leaving the Malé Commercial Harbour as the primary functional hub. To resolve this, the government is executing a multi-pronged infrastructure strategy:
Kulhudhufushi Port:
Discussions are underway to identify specific economic activities to revitalize this facility. The administration aims to bring the port to full operational capacity within its current term.
Thilafushi Relocation:
Operations from the main Malé port are progressively transitioning to Thilafushi. The site is currently being utilized for empty container storage.
Private Sector Integration:
A newly fenced, duty-free zone has been established at Thilafushi, allowing businesses to store goods securely and encouraging private sector participation in logistics management.
Concluding his remarks, Minister Saeed invited maritime journalists and industry stakeholders to collaborate closely with the government. He extended an open invitation for industry representatives including Maldives Martime Journal to submit actionable proposals to the Business Council and participate in upcoming policy discussions.
