The government has announced the opening of registration for the highly anticipated Addu Business Dialogue, a two-day forum scheduled to take place on 13 to 14 May.
Businessmen and entrepreneurs across Addu City are invited to participate before the registration deadline on 12 May, as the government intensifies its efforts to position the southernmost atoll as a premier destination for trade and investment in the Maldives.
Under the theme "Addu Business Dialogue: Increasing the participation of small and medium enterprises in shaping their future," the forum will serve as a crucial platform for discussing investment opportunities, reviewing available incentives, and examining government policies specifically designed to support business growth in Addu City.
Stakeholders from diverse industries including tourism, construction, fisheries, and information technology will gather to engage directly with government officials and receive comprehensive information about the concessions and opportunities available to them.
The forum in Addu City was first announced during the opening of Parliament earlier this year, where President Dr Mohamed Muizzu highlighted his vision for economic transformation in his Presidential Address. The President emphasised that the policy of establishing investment zones for small and medium enterprises across various regions of the country represents a cornerstone of his administration's economic agenda. Through this initiative, the government aims to harness Addu City's strategic location and existing infrastructure to develop it into a comprehensive IT hub that will serve as a model for similar ventures nationwide.
Several key government agencies will participate in the discussions, including the Ministry of Homeland Security, the Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture, the Ministry of Tourism, and the Ministry of Finance. These agencies will provide detailed briefings on sector-specific opportunities and concessions, offering attendees actionable insights into how they can benefit from upcoming government programs and incentives.
The government has confirmed its commitment to supporting Addu's business community through a series of special concessions planned for the period spanning 2027 to 2029. These measures are expected to provide significant advantages to businesses that establish or expand their operations in Addu City during the intervening years.