The SME Development Finance Corporation (SDFC) has announced the appointment of Uz. Hassan Kalaam as a non-executive director to its Board of Directors.

Kalaam currently serves as Chief Islamic Banking Officer at Bank of Maldives, where he has played a key role in the strategic development and growth of the bank’s Islamic banking services. With more than 13 years of experience in financial services, he is also a licensed Shariah Advisor.

He holds a Master’s Degree in Islamic Finance from the International Centre for Education in Islamic Finance (INCEIF) in Malaysia and is a Senior Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Islamic Finance Professionals.

With his addition, the SDFC Board now includes Mohamed Shareef, Badhurudheen Hassan, Fathimath Farihath Waheed, Hassan Kalaam, Fathimath Azma, Ahusal Mohamed, and Fathimath Yamna.

Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation Mohamed Ameen has held discussions with the Fuvahmulah City Council on plans to expand the services of Fuvahmulah Airport and strengthen the city’s overall transport network. The meeting was part of the Minister’s visit to the island.

The session was attended by Mayor Ismail Rafeeq and council members, during which a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Ministry and the City Council. The agreement outlines measures to improve the quality of transport services available to residents.

In a statement shared on social media, Minister Ameen said the talks focused on expanding airport operations and enhancing land and sea transport services in line with the government’s efforts to strengthen transport networks nationwide. He noted that the initiatives aim to improve services for residents and bring wider benefits to the city.

The Fuvahmulah Airport, operated by Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), has been the subject of recent assessments. On 6 September, MACL’s Managing Director Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed and a team visited the island to inspect the airport and meet with the City Council. Discussions during that visit covered operational challenges, resource and equipment needs, and the importance of conducting a detailed study on the airport’s current condition.

The Council and MACL also exchanged views on modernising airport services. Fuvahmulah Airport, which opened in November 2011 with a 1,200-metre runway, has been considered for upgrades. Studies conducted last year reviewed options such as extending the runway to 1,800 metres to allow jet landings, expanding the passenger terminal, and developing a dedicated tourism area.

On 15 September 2025, Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) celebrated its 39th anniversary, commemorating nearly four decades of contributing to the nation’s maritime trade, cargo handling, and port operations. The anniversary ceremony brought together staff, stakeholders, and partners to reflect on MPL’s journey, achievements, and aspirations for the future.

MPL traces its roots to the Maldives Ports Authority (MPA), formed in 1986 as the sole operator of ports throughout the Maldives. Over time it transformed into a corporatised body, taking on the name Maldives Ports Limited. Its mandate has been to operate, manage, and develop port facilities in the Maldives, ensuring the seamless handling of both domestic and international cargo.

Over 39 years, MPL has established itself as a cornerstone of national trade. It has enabled the growth of imports and exports and facilitated economic activity by improving port efficiency, modernising infrastructure, and maintaining service continuity. Its role is especially crucial for an island nation dependent on maritime supply chains.

As MPL enters its 40th year, its leadership has emphasised ongoing investment, sustainable operations, and further improvements in service quality.

Minister of Tourism and Environment Thoriq Ibrahim has held discussions with Commissioner General of Taxation Hassan Zareer on strengthening cooperation in tax collection within the Maldives’ tourism sector.

The meeting focused on streamlining tax collection processes, which remain central to state revenue. Both officials highlighted the importance of closer engagement with industry stakeholders and improved sharing of tax-related information to ensure a more efficient system that maximises earnings from the country’s largest economic sector.

According to the Ministry, the talks paved the way for deeper collaboration between the Tourism Ministry and the Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA). The two institutions will work together to promote the tourism industry while safeguarding state income through consistent and effective revenue collection.

The discussions come at a time when MIRA has reported positive figures. In its latest monthly report, the authority announced a revenue collection of USD 137.5 million for August 2025, reflecting a 6.9 percent increase compared with the same period last year. Tourism-related taxes remain the leading source of this income.

The meeting underscores the government’s efforts to strengthen key partnerships in order to protect and expand vital revenue streams.

Dr Shah Mahir, Deputy CEO of Dharumavantha Hospital, has been appointed as the Managing Director of the newly formed State Pharmaceutical and Medical Supply Corporation Limited.

The corporation, established last week, is tasked with overseeing the bulk import of medicines, medical consumables, and equipment into the Maldives. On Sunday, the Privatisation and Corporatisation Board (PCB) announced the first appointments to its board.

Alongside Dr Shah, who will also serve as a board member, the PCB named Aishath Mohamed and Shibana Abdulla Didi to the board.

Dr Shah brings extensive experience in the health sector, having previously served as State Minister at the Ministry of Health under both the current administration and the former government of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. He resigned from the position in August 2023 at the end of that administration’s term, later assuming his most recent role at Dharumavantha Hospital.

The road development for the Addu Gan International Airport project has been completed, marking a significant milestone in the redevelopment of the southern atoll’s main air gateway.

According to Addu International Airport Company (AIA) Managing Director Mohamed Waheed Hussain, 4.3 kilometres of new road have been finished, with the final traffic markings currently underway. The work is part of a broader redevelopment funded through the Indian Line of Credit, which aims to upgrade the airport into a state-of-the-art facility capable of handling 1.5 million passengers annually.

For years, efforts to modernise the airport have faced delays and setbacks. With the new road nearing full completion, the focus now shifts to expanding the passenger terminal. Waheed told PSM News that two extensions are under construction, a 15-metre addition on one side and a 75-metre expansion on the other. While the timeline indicates the work should be completed by the end of this year, Waheed acknowledged there may be some delays, adding that the project is expected to conclude by early next year.

The current phase of construction is intended to pave the way for further upgrades to the existing terminal, which is to be modernised with improved facilities. Waheed also highlighted the difficulties of keeping airport operations running smoothly while major development is underway.

The project has drawn public concern over the removal of old shelter trees during the roadwork. In response, the company has committed to planting large trees on both sides of the newly paved roads to restore shade and greenery.

Redevelopment of Addu International Airport has been ongoing for more than a decade. Its existing infrastructure already includes a 3,000-metre-long runway capable of accommodating wide-body aircraft such as the Boeing 777. Once complete, the project is expected to reinforce the airport’s role as a vital hub for tourism and trade in the southern Maldives.

The government has raised the supply of US dollars to businesses at the official exchange rate, with the aim of easing price pressures in the market. Minister of Economic Development and Trade Mohamed Saeed said allocations have risen to as much as 50 percent of requests, compared to the much smaller shares previously made available to small and medium-sized enterprises.

The announcement comes at a time of heightened public concern over rising consumer prices and complaints of difficulties in securing foreign currency for imports. Officials say the measure is intended to support importers and ensure a steady flow of goods.

Alongside the increase in dollar allocations, the Cabinet has directed the State Trading Organisation (STO) to expand bulk imports of key goods. These include staples such as rice, sugar and flour, as well as lentils, eggs, potatoes, and ten of the most widely consumed fruits and vegetables. STO has already begun distributing oranges and has said it will ensure continuous availability of both apples and oranges. From mid-October, the organisation is expected to begin importing 23 designated food items.

Questions have been raised about whether foreign currency shortages are behind recent sharp increases in fruit prices, with some reports highlighting price hikes of several hundred percent. Minister Saeed argued that higher dollar allocations should have eased such pressures.

STO Managing Director Shimad Ibrahim noted that the company has not relied on government-provided dollars for its import operations in recent years. He said that during the past two Ramadans, STO used its own investments and banking arrangements to source the necessary foreign currency.