Introducing local products to international markets now a reality: Minister

Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed has said that Maldivian producers can now sell their goods directly on Alibaba.com, marking what he described as a historic step in connecting local industries to global markets.

Speaking at a webinar launching the initiative, Saeed said the move establishes a “digital bridge” between the Maldives and international buyers, creating new opportunities for small businesses, artisans, and manufacturers across the islands.

“Imagine a local producer in Addu City hand-weaving a product that reaches a buyer in Shanghai within days. Imagine a food trader in Maldives sending spice mixes to restaurants in London. This is no longer a dream this is now a reality,” the minister said.

Saeed added that Maldivian online businesses trading on Alibaba will also benefit from provisions under the China–Maldives Free Trade Agreement. The project, he noted, is being carried out in cooperation with the Chinese government and aims to establish a full ecosystem to support cross-border trade.

“This system will ensure goods move without disruption and that payments are received in Maldives without delay,” he said.

The webinar, jointly organized by the Ministry of Economic Development, Alibaba, and the Business Center Corporation, provided Maldivians with information on opening seller accounts on the world’s largest online business-to-business platform.