The Business Center Corporation has provided consultation services to more than 700 businesses in Addu City and Addu Atoll over the past two years, the organisation revealed, supporting regional commerce through targeted awareness programmes and initiatives.
The corporation’s local hub has integrated a wide array of activities into the economy, including the WDC Expo, the Creators Confluence, financial literacy sessions at the MATATO Travel Conference, the 'Tourism Beyond Boundaries' business discussions, and specialised youth camps. Outreach has further included participation in the MNU Job Festival, awareness programmes for MSME award registration, and detailed economic profiling.
Statistical records indicate that between October 2023 and April 2026, the centre provided direct consultations to 709 commercial entities, conducted informational visits to over 800 local businesses, and facilitated 277 training programmes and regional seminars. Detailed intelligence on 645 individual businesses has been collected to gauge the national economic climate.
These initiatives align with the vision of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu to establish Small and Medium Enterprise investment zones. Addu City, Hulhudhoo, and Meedhoo have been designated the nation's inaugural zone, granting businesses full exemptions from land rent and income tax for three years starting 1 January 2027.
To advance this vision, the Ministry of Economic Development, Transport and Trade convened a summit from 13 to 14 May. BCC representatives noted that as President Muizzu has designated 2026 the "Year of Productivity", the expansion of regional economic opportunities remains among the utmost priorities.