Author: Mohamed Reehaan

The Maldivian government has taken a bold step. It has merged trade and transport responsibilities under the Ministry of Economic Development, Transport and Trade. This structural shift is already generating excitement among business owners across the country. Yusuf Riza, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Economic Development, Transport and Trade, spoke about this change on Trade Desk – the ministry’s newly launched podcast series. He called the move a natural and necessary evolution. “Trade and transport are inseparable industries,” Riza said. “To maintain an efficient supply chain, you need a strong transportation system backing it.” Why This Matters The…

The past fortnight has been unlike any other for the Maldives economy-Middle East war story. What began in late February as a worrying but manageable external shock has, in the space of two weeks, forced a sweeping cabinet overhaul, a reconstituted crisis committee, a sharp correction in tourism figures, a public clarification from the country’s largest bank, and a fresh round of assurances on fuel and food supplies. The headlines move fast in a country of fewer than 600,000 people, but the through-line is steady. President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s administration has moved to cushion households and businesses from the fallout…

Fuel Supplies Maldives (FSM) has officially opened its newly developed FSM fuel station in F. Nilandhoo. The launch marks another step in the company’s nationwide expansion drive. A Nationwide Rollout Gains Momentum The new facility forms part of a government-led programme to build modern fuel outlets across the Maldives. Notably, it follows the opening of a similar station in Sh. Milandhoo on March 28, 2026. Together, the two launches widen public access to reliable fuel services in the country’s outer atolls. Furthermore, FSM has now begun work on 18 fuel stations in total under the broader initiative. The core goal…

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has announced the creation of a new Citizens’ Complaints Bureau within the President’s Office. Notably, the Bureau will offer round-the-clock support for members of the public who wish to raise concerns or grievances. A Commitment First Outlined in Parliament The President first outlined the plan during the Presidential Address to Parliament on February 5, this year. Since then, the President’s Office has moved to translate the commitment into a working institution. According to the President’s Office, the Citizens’ Complaints Bureau will commence operations in the middle of the year. Meanwhile, officials are finalizing the necessary administrative…

The Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy has unveiled an ambitious plan. It aims to complete water and sewerage systems on every inhabited island of the Maldives by the end of 2027. This initiative marks a dramatic acceleration in essential service delivery. When the current administration took office, only 66 islands had established water networks. Today, that figure has more than doubled. Rapid Expansion of Piped Water Coverage Piped water systems now serve 141 islands across the country. Furthermore, construction crews are connecting an additional 75 islands right now. Together, these projects will push total coverage beyond 90 percent.…

Maldives Parliament has officially accepted the National Service Bill and sent it to the parliamentary Security Services Committee for detailed scrutiny. Kulhudhuffushi South MP Farhath Mohamed moved the bill on the floor. The proposed legislation establishes a comprehensive national service programme. Furthermore, it creates a robust legal framework to develop the physical, technical, and intellectual capabilities of the nation’s youth. The bills sets a clear objective. It aims to build a generation that contributes to the nation and society. In addition, it seeks to instill patriotism and respect for Islamic principles among participants. Eligibility and Participation Rules The programme will…

The government is pushing ahead with plans to establish a major Gaadhoo port and bunkering facility in Laamu Atoll. The Minister of Economic Development, Transport and Trade Mohamed Saeed confirmed the update on Monday. He delivered the remarks at a press conference held at the President’s Office on April 14. The project forms a key pledge in the administration’s manifesto. Officials view it as a vital step toward boosting economic activity across the archipelago. Furthermore, the Minister identified the facility as a top government priority. Saeed revealed that discussions with interested private parties are already underway. These talks aim to…

The Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA) has published the names of 48 taxpayers who failed to file their Income Tax returns. The list covers corporate entities, non-corporate businesses, and individual taxpayers. MIRA released the disclosure as part of its ongoing enforcement drive. The authority confirmed that all 48 parties remained non-compliant as of the end of December 2024. The list features registered companies alongside smaller business entities and individuals operating across various sectors. Before making the names public, MIRA took several steps to alert the concerned taxpayers. Officials contracted each party by telephone and explained the legal consequences of continued…

The Maldives Customs Service collected MVR 351 million in state revenue from import and export activities in March. The figure shows a marginal rise from the MVR 350 million recorded in the same month last year. Import activity drove much of the trade volume. Maldives customs revenue data shows that imports reached MVR 5.7 billion in March, a sharp jump from the MVR 4.4 billion logged in March of the previous year. The surge reflects stronger demand across fuel, food, and industrial goods. Fuel products topped the import list at MVR 1.60 billion. Food items followed at MVR 1.05 billion.…

The Ministry of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure has extended the Malé housing application deadline for a second time, giving residents additional weeks to file under the government’s “Housing for All” policy. Originally, applications were set to close on the 30th of this month. However, the Ministry now confirms that Malé residents can submit applications for land plots and flats until 23:59hrs on May 31. Furthermore, the scheme covers a significant allocation. The government plans to distribute 15,000 land plots across the Greater Malé Region, including Ras Malé. On top of that, officials will issue 7,900 flats within the Malé area.…