Maaran’ga Market in Maafushi Boosts Local SMEs and Attracts Tourist Interest

The Business Center Corporation (BCC) has reported strong public and tourist engagement following the recent 'Maaran’ga Market' held in Maafushi, Kaafu Atoll. The event, designed to empower small and medium enterprises (SMEs), serves as a strategic platform for local entrepreneurs to showcase and sell their products directly to a diverse audience. Organized in partnership with the Maafushi Council and the K.Maafushi Local Authority Company Limited (KMLAC), the market is part of a broader government initiative to stimulate grassroots economic growth. Starting this April, the market will transition into a monthly fixture in Maafushi, providing a consistent venue for trade and brand visibility. The most recent iteration of the market ran from April 23 to 25, operating daily from 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM. Twelve kiosks were established for the event, with four dedicated to Maafushi-based businesses and eight allocated to entrepreneurs from Malé City. The stalls featured a diverse array of offerings, ranging from artisanal handmade goods to local pastries and food items. Minister of Economic Development, Transport and Trade, Mohamed Saeed, visited the venue to engage with the participants and assess the market's impact. Speaking to PSM News, Minister Saeed emphasized the importance of the initiative in helping SMEs scale their marketing efforts. He specifically praised the dedication of women entrepreneurs who traveled by ferry from the capital to manage their stalls personally. “It is very encouraging that tourists, as well as residents and visitors to the island, are showing interest in this initiative,” Minister Saeed noted, highlighting the synergy between local entrepreneurship and Maafushi's established tourism industry. As Maafushi remains a primary hub for tourism in the Maldives, the BCC expects that the monthly regularity of the Maaran’ga Market will create sustainable revenue streams for small businesses. By bridging the gap between Malé-based creators and island-based consumers, the initiative aims to foster a more integrated domestic economy while promoting the unique appeal of Maldivian-made products.