Agreement signed to keep essential goods duty-free at Addu Commercial Port

Addu City’s commercial port has been handed over to MPL to develop a bonded zone, allowing food and essential items to be kept duty-free.

The agreement was signed during a ceremony held at Addu High School by Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed and MPL CEO Mohamed Rishwan.

In the Presidential Address delivered last Thursday to open the People’s Majlis, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu announced that the service of keeping food and essential goods duty-free in Addu would commence within this month.

MPL stated that under this agreement, in addition to establishing a bonded area at Hithadhoo Commercial Port for food, essential goods, and other types of items to be kept duty-free, a special area will be established to provide bonded warehouse services targeting resorts in the southern region of the Maldives, as well as for the bulk storage of imported construction materials such as aggregate and sea sand.

At the ceremony, Minister Saeed stated that regional ports in the Maldives can be utilized to their full potential only by providing such services.

"While there are ports providing international services (in the North and South), a business will not be created just by having two satellite ports. Businesses will be created at those places by doing things in a way that generates business," Saeed said.

Rishwan noted that establishing multiple services at regional ports would also provide relief to the Malé Commercial Port. He mentioned that efforts are underway to relocate the Malé Commercial Port to Thilafushi by November next year. He further stated that while the main commercial port is being moved to Thilafushi, expanding the services of regional ports is also important.

"It will be a joy and satisfaction for all of us to be able to lower the price of cargo coming to the atolls and, as a result, provide numerous benefits to the citizens," Rishwan said.

MPL also noted that this is a significant project symbolizing the priority given to sustainable development, food security, and the expansion of commercial activities throughout the Maldives.