Business Centre Corporation (BCC) has inaugurated a new Authentic Maldives outlet at Gan International Airport (GIA).
The outlet was inaugurated by the Mayor of Addu City Ali Nizar. The outlet is located at the transit lounge in GIA and is the first to open in the southern region of the Maldives. Showcasing products from a diverse range of over 70 suppliers, the outlet not only presents a shopping opportunity but also serves as a platform for suppliers in Addu and other southern atolls. While primarily catering to airport travellers, the outlet will extend its services to the general public as well.
BCC was established in 2017 under the Ministry of Economic Development, with the mandate of operating business centres in different regions, but began operations in 2019. There are currently 13 business centres across the country, tasked with implementing the government’s policies to promote and assist small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
Authentic Maldives is an initiative by BCC to promote the sale of local products. The purpose of Authentic Maldives is to provide a platform where small businesses could market and sell their local products.
The first outlet of Authentic Maldives was opened at Velana International Airport (VIA) in January 2020. The second outlet was opened at Hulhumale’ Centro Mall in November 2020, followed by a third outlet in Male’ in March 2021. Authentic Maldives opened its first resort outlet at Kudavillingili Resort in October 2021. The fourth outlet was opened in CROSSROADS Maldives in July. BCC has revealed efforts are underway to open outlets of Authentic Maldives in Thailand and Japan.
BCC started with 57 suppliers, a number that has now expanded significantly to encompass 260 suppliers. BCC has also played an active role in bolstering SMEs by disbursing a substantial amount of USD 3 million to aid in growth and development.