Registration has opened for the Addu Business Dialogue, a two-day forum aimed at increasing the role of small and medium enterprises in shaping the city’s economic direction.
The forum is scheduled to take place from 13 to 14 May, with registration open until 12 May. Business owners and entrepreneurs across Addu City have been invited to take part as the government seeks to expand trade and investment activity in the southern region.
Held under the theme “Addu Business Dialogue: Increasing the participation of small and medium enterprises in shaping their future,” the forum is expected to bring together businesses from sectors including tourism, construction, fisheries, agriculture, and information technology. Participants will be able to engage with government officials on investment opportunities, available concessions, and policy measures intended to support business development in Addu.
The initiative forms part of the administration’s wider economic agenda to create investment zones for small and medium enterprises across different regions of the country. President Dr Mohamed Muizzu first announced plans for the Addu forum during his Presidential Address at the opening of Parliament earlier this year, framing regional enterprise development as a key part of the government’s economic policy.
The forum is also expected to reflect the government’s broader ambition to position Addu City as a stronger centre for trade, investment, and technology. With its location, population base, and existing infrastructure, Addu has long been viewed as one of the most viable areas outside Malé for decentralised economic activity. The proposed focus on developing the city as an IT hub adds a further layer to that policy direction, particularly if matched with practical incentives and private sector participation.
Several government agencies are expected to 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. Their involvement is expected to provide businesses with sector-specific information on regulatory processes, concessions, and planned support measures.
The government has also indicated that special concessions will be introduced for Addu’s business community between 2027 and 2029. While the details of these measures are expected to be discussed further through the forum, they are likely to be closely watched by local entrepreneurs seeking clearer pathways for expansion.
For Addu, the dialogue comes at a time when regional economic development remains a recurring policy priority. The forum’s impact will depend not only on the range of incentives announced, but also on whether businesses are given a practical role in shaping investment plans, regulatory decisions, and long-term development priorities for the city.
