Private Firms Invited to Join National Logistics Network to Boost Food Security

The government has opened its central logistics network to established private companies in a strategic push to strengthen national supply chains and ensure food security. Minister of Economic Development and Trade, Mohamed Saeed, announced the initiative during a briefing at the President’s Office. The plan leverages a framework called 'Anchor' to link the Malé Commercial Harbour with the regional ports of Kulhudhuffushi and Addu. While this grants local firms unprecedented access to the national network, Maldives Ports Limited will maintain its central role to guarantee the uninterrupted flow of essential goods, in line with President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's policy. Minister Saeed emphasized that the system's importance has been heightened by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. To shield the nation from external shocks, he said work is accelerating to expand national storage capacity. "Efforts are currently underway to establish both dry and wet storage facilities across various regions," Saeed stated. "Upon completion, essential goods will be readily accessible not only to our urban centres but also to the outlying islands." Addressing concerns over potential fuel shortages due to the regional unrest, the minister assured the public that the State Trading Organization is actively managing reserves, with a new shipment having arrived last Saturday. For long-term energy security, the government has finalized plans for a strategic petroleum reserve across three locations. Officials confirmed that once operational, this reserve will hold enough fuel to meet the nation's energy needs for an entire year.