Business Promotion Mission to Maldives Alongside Hotel Asia Exhibition: 12th – 16th May 2024

The Sri Lankan Business Delegation to the Maldives, organised by the Sri Lanka-Maldives Business Council (SLMLBC) of The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (SLEDB) and the Sri Lanka High Commission in the Maldives, engaged in several high-level meetings with Maldivian Ministry officials alongside the hotel Asia Exhibition which was held from the 13^th to 15^th May 2024 in Dharubaaruge, Malé, Maldives.

The Business Delegation was facilitated by a strategic initiative by the SLMLBC and the SLEDB to establish the Sri Lanka Pavilion at the exhibition, supporting the expansion of market share for value-added products and exploring new opportunities, for Sri Lankan companies.

Twenty two export companies participated in the delegation, with the Sri Lankan government, through the EDB, covering 50% of the stall costs for participating SME companies. Before departing for the exhibition, the SLEDB conducted training sessions for participants on product promotion and incorporating technology such as QR codes and e-brochures.

The initiative was also supported by the Sri Lankan High Commission in the Maldives and industry partnerships with Ocean Trade & Logistics, the Bank of Ceylon, and Aitken Spence, which provided logistics, banking, and travel services, respectively.

Alongside the Hotel Asia Exhibition 2024, the premier international hospitality trade fair in the Maldives, the delegation engaged in meetings with representatives of the Ministries of Tourism, Economic Development, Transport and Civil Aviation, Agriculture and Animal Welfare, and Cities, Local Government, and Public Works. The delegation also met with officials of the Maldives Ports Ltd. and the Maldives National Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Discussions focused on exploring investment opportunities in the Maldives, in agriculture, tourism and guest houses, and developing island harbours, among others. Strategies to reduce freight costs and implement small boat services to facilitate the export of fruits and vegetables, were also discussed.

The meetings facilitated the establishment and expansion of business contacts with potential partners, leveraging the advantages of entering the expanding Maldivian market, and provided further networking and business development opportunities.

The delegates gained insights into new opportunities, regulations, and potential markets in the Maldives. All delegates received numerous inquiries and identified suitable business partners in the Maldives keen to collaborate with their respective companies. Significantly, a majority of the exhibitors were SMEs offering products that were new to the Maldivian market, who benefited from business introductions facilitated via SLMLBC Members.

Companies that participated in the delegation:

Ocean Trade & Logistics Pvt Ltd, Aitken Spence Travels (Pvt) Limited, Puritas (Pvt) Ltd, Marine Transport Services(Pvt) Ltd, Kelani Cables PLC, Asian Chill Equipments (Pvt) Ltd, BioNutri International (Pvt) Ltd, Ceylon Soap Co, Chanrich fruit Pvt LTD, City Cycle Industries Manufacturing (Pvt) Ltd, Derana Marketing Services Pvt Ltd, Ellawala Horticulture (Pvt) Ltd, Enviromec International (Pvt) Ltd, Kiyoshan Ceramic, Pee Bee Management Services (Private) limited, Premier Wood Winners (Pvt) Ltd, Professional MET Consultancy Services (Pvt) Ltd, Evergreen Plantation Management Pvt Ltd, Scantek Engineering (Pvt) Ltd, Shells Ceylon (Pvt) Ltd, Silk Route Ventures (Pvt) Ltd, and Tradex.