Author: Mohamed Reehaan

Arising from India’s recent diplomatic tension with the Maldives, travel platform MakeMyTrip is now facing widespread backlash and boycott threats on social media platforms. Several users are alleging the platform does not support India’s nationalistic causes. Meanwhile, microblogging platform, X is filled with “boycott Maldives” calls by Indian netizens, claiming the platform was still providing bookings to the island nation.

Maldives President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has reportedly said India will continue to remain the “closest ally” to the Maldives, as the country seeks a debt relief from the Indian government. According to NDTV, Maldives owed approximately USD 400.9 million to India by the end of 2023. Since oath-taking, President Muizzu has been viewed to purse a hardline stand towards India, and demanded Indian military personnel in the Maldives be repatriated from the country by May 10. On Thursday last week, President Muizzu said India was instrumental in providing aid to the Maldives, and also implemented the “greatest number” of projects…

Business Center Corporation (BCC) has announced that the participation in the 8th edition of the China-South Asia Expo (CSA) and the 28th Kunming Import Export Fair are now open. BCC said the CSA Expo is a great platform to market and promote local brands and products, and added that the event will attract visitors and interested businesses from around the world. Businesses and individuals interested in participating at the event were required to submit applications until March 23, 2024. This year’s CSA Expo and the Kunming Import Export Fair will be held from June 18 to June 23 at Kunming…

Maldives State Shipping (MSS) has expanded its maritime operations with new vessel inclusion. According to MSS, it has added ‘Barrier’ to its fleet and will be put for Male’-Colombo trade. ‘Barrier’ is the latest addition to MSS which currently consists of five commissioned vessels. Launched officially on February 04, 2020, MSS remains dedicated as the premier and primary shipping agent connecting Maldives with international trade destinations; and thereby become the leading logistical service provider.

Maldives has partnered with China to seek the latter’s assistance in the advancement of renewable energy initiatives in the island nation. Earlier on Thursday, March 21, Maldives government signed with China Tianying Inc. towards socioeconomic development initiatives and provision of industrial and technical expertise to the Maldives is renewable energy projects. The Minister of Climate Change, Environment and Energy Thoriq Ibrahim signed the agreement on behalf of the Maldives government, while president of China Tianying Inc (CNTY), De Biao Cao signed on behalf of the company. As part of the agreement, CNTY will help in capacity development of all relevant…

Bank of Maldives (BML) on Thursday announced holding its quarterly blood donation camp. The camp held for BML staff is conducted in collaboration with Maldivian Blood Services. The national bank, boasting a nationwide footprint of its services, take part in the quarterly blood donation, to assist those requiring regular transfusions. The blood donation is also aligned with the bank’s CSR initiatives as well.

Minister of Economic Development and Trade Mohamed Saeed said on Wednesday, the Maldives government is preparing to enter into a preferential trade agreement with Turkey. The minister said this on X and added that trade relations between the two countries have improved since President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu made his official visit to Turkey earlier. According to Saeed, both Turkey and Maldives governments were now engaged in high level negotiations prior to entering into the agreement, that would see Turkey extending special tariff rates on preferential items exported to the Maldives. Senior government officials from both countries met at the Ministry…

State Electric Company (STELCO) has advised the public to economize and minimize electricity consumption, in light of recent surges in output. STO Managing Director Hussain Fahmy on Wednesday, said via X, that this year’s Ramadan coincided with the hottest period in the country. He noted that electrical output is generally above the average usage limit during Ramadan every year. “Statistics show the usage of an average of 94 megawatt in electricity output in Greater Male’ region, however, currently 104.7 megawatt of electricity is used,” Fahmy said. Utility consumption, inclusive of water and electricity, generally observes above-average usage or consumption in…

Marriott International held the graduation ceremony for the Maldives Apprenticeship Program graduates on March 16, 2024 at Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa. The event was attended by Ibrahim Waheed, the Minister of Youth Empowerment, Information and Arts as the guest of honor, who was accompanied by Gautam Bhandari, the Senior Vice President, Hotel Development & Operations, Marriott International; and March Fletcher, Area Director of Human Resources, Singapore & Maldives, Marriott International. The Marriott International Maldives Apprenticeship Program, was created in partnership with the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment during the previous administration, and the Maldives Institute…

Guest arrivals to the Maldives has exceeded well over 500,000, according to the latest update from the Ministry of Tourism. As per the ministry, tourist arrivals as of March 19, 2024 reached 524,339; indicating a 13% growth in terms of annual arrivals compared to the same period last year, during which arrivals stood at 463,898. This figure is achieved despite a major slip off by the country’s strongest tourist market, India, from its top spot to sixth this year; owing to a heat row between the two countries originating from derogatory comments made by some senior Maldivian government officials against…