Economic Development, Transport and Trade Minister Mohamed Saeed has described the Maldives Expo 2026 as a success, saying the event fulfilled its intended objectives of promoting local production and creating wider business opportunities.
In an interview with PSM News, Minister Saeed said the exhibition, the largest of its kind ever organised in the Maldives, had provided an important platform for local producers and entrepreneurs to showcase their products and services.
Held under the leadership and guidance of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, the expo was organised to strengthen domestic production and encourage the growth of business activities across the country.
Reflecting on the event, the Minister said its success could be seen through the experiences of visitors and participants. He noted that the exhibition highlighted the work, innovation and creativity of Maldivians from different sectors, with participants from all atolls presenting a variety of products, ideas and initiatives.
Minister Saeed said the expo had also encouraged people who had never previously engaged in business to explore opportunities to establish their own ventures. At the same time, existing businesses were looking for ways to expand, while new entrepreneurs had also joined the exhibition.
He said one of the main concerns raised by participants was the need for better access to markets where they could promote and sell their products and services.
“If something can be taken away from this expo, it is that the expo has been a great success. We received many requests to extend its duration and allow more days for this initiative. This means we should not stop here. However, such an event can only be held for a certain period. All of this demonstrates its success,” Minister Saeed said.
The Minister further emphasised that creating greater market opportunities for locally made products and supporting economic growth remain among the Government’s key priorities. He said the administration aims to raise the creative economy’s contribution to 15 per cent of the Maldives’ gross domestic product (GDP) by 2030.
The Maldives Expo 2026 was held from 25 October to 2 November, with activities taking place every evening and night. It attracted widespread public interest and became one of the largest exhibitions of its kind held in the country in recent years.
The exhibition brought together a wide range of locally made products, traditional crafts, cultural displays, food items and business services. Through numerous stalls, visitors had the opportunity to explore the products and services offered by Maldivian businesses and producers.
