BML Gateway to Enable Dollar Payments for Maldivian SMEs From November 1: President

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced that Maldivian producers and small businesses selling goods and services in international markets will be able to receive payments in US dollars through the Bank of Maldives (BML) payment gateway starting November 1. The President made the announcement while speaking at the prize-giving ceremony of Maldives Expo 2026. He said the move is intended to resolve difficulties faced by Maldivian entrepreneurs and small businesses in receiving money from abroad, allowing them to accept dollars from anywhere in the world through the BML gateway. President Muizzu added that from November 1, businesses would also be able to use the dollars they receive to purchase goods and services from overseas through cards and remittance services, and to pay for subscriptions needed by their businesses. He said the facility would reduce barriers to increasing income and boost direct earnings. The President highlighted the government's goal of empowering small and medium enterprises and encouraging more citizens to start their own businesses and achieve financial independence. He said the government's main aim is to enable as many citizens as possible to become economically self-sufficient and empowered.