The Southern Regional Head Office of the Maldives Customs Service was inaugurated on Tuesday.
The new office established in Addu City Maradhoo was inaugurated during a ceremony on Tuesday morning by Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihsaan and the Commissioner General of Customs Fathimath Dhiyana.
Speaking after inaugurating the new customs office, Minister Ihsaan called on customs to deliver a people centric service.
As Addu City is a major import hub in the country, he urged for quick and efficient cargo clearance service for its people.
Although the primary function of the newly opened customs office is the documentation work of the region, he alluded to plans to provide some services through the office which are currently only available from the main office in the capital Male.
"The office is currently being shaped to do most of the documentation work in the region. In the future, we intend to make this office as one that can provide some customs services throughout Maldives,” the Minister said.
Speaking during the ceremony, the Commissioner General of Customs Fathimath Dhiyana said with this office, the customs services provided to the various ports and harbours in the region will be further strengthened and expanded.
In addition, she noted that classrooms have been set up in the office to provide training to the employees.
The Southern Regional Head Office of the Maldives Customs Service is equipped with classrooms, a conference hall and an accommodation block.