Over 1,000 SMEs to Showcase Innovation at Maldives Expo 2024

More than 1,000 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from across the Maldives are set to participate in this year's Maldives Expo, marking a significant surge in local entrepreneurial activity. According to Business Centre Corporation (BCC) Managing Director Ibrahim Ziyau, the event has evolved from its humble beginnings 80 years ago into a cornerstone of the nation's business calendar. The scale of participation has grown rapidly. Last year, 308 businesses entered the competitive section; this year, that number has climbed to 780. The volume of innovation is equally impressive, with over 6,000 products registered for the upcoming event, compared to 3,600 in the previous edition. In a strategic shift to maximize visibility, the BCC is changing how products are displayed. Rather than grouping items solely under a business name, products will be showcased separately. This approach allows the individual producers and the quality of the goods themselves to take center stage, providing a more direct path to recognition and promotion for the creators. Two major additions headline this year's event: the Visitor Economy District and the International Exhibitors District. The Visitor Economy District is specifically designed to promote local tourism services and the unique offerings of various islands—a sector that lacked a dedicated presence at last year's expo. Simultaneously, the International Exhibitors District aims to bridge the gap between Maldivian entrepreneurs and global markets. Ziyau noted that this section will introduce new business ideas to the local scene while helping home-grown brands find overseas buyers. The expo will be organized into seven distinct districts, providing a structured environment for the thousands of businesses and products on display. The event is scheduled to run for nine days, starting from 25 October and concluding on 2 November.