The Ministry of Economic Development and Trade has announced a partnership with Alibaba.com, one of the world’s largest e-commerce platforms, to host a specialised online workshop aimed at helping Maldivian businesses expand into international markets.
Scheduled for 16 September, the workshop is intended for entrepreneurs already engaged in online commerce, as well as those seeking to enter the digital trade sector. According to Economic Development and Trade Minister Mohamed Saeed, the programme reflects a broader governmental effort to build formal ties with globally recognised e-commerce platforms.
Sessions will be led by experts from Alibaba.com, who are expected to provide strategic guidance and practical insights tailored to the Maldivian context. Minister Saeed noted that the collaboration is designed to equip participants with the tools necessary to navigate international digital marketplaces.
One of the initiative’s central goals is to facilitate the creation of seller accounts for Maldivian businesses on Alibaba.com. This would allow local producers and merchants to market and sell their goods to a global customer base. The measure also fulfils a key pledge made by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, who committed to opening access for Maldivian enterprises to major international e-commerce platforms.
The government views the workshop as part of a wider strategy to strengthen the small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) sector across the country. By improving access to global markets, officials aim to generate sustainable commercial opportunities for domestic businesses both at home and abroad.
Minister Saeed highlighted that current efforts are focused on streamlining processes, enabling Maldivian enterprises to more effectively leverage international digital platforms for trade.