The U.S. Embassy in Malé, in partnership with the Maldives Customs Service, brought together government agencies and international experts from 7th to 8th October to explore critical aspects of trade security and discuss how secure trade practices can attract business and investment.
The Maldives Strategic Trade Forum featured a keynote address by Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) Chief, Major General Ibrahim Hilmy. Representatives from the United Arab Emirates and the Philippines presented their national systems for overseeing the trade and transshipment of strategic items, often referred to as “dual-use” goods, which can be used for both commercial and military applications. These sensitive items, while essential for innovation, require greater protections.
U.S. Ambassador to the Maldives, Hugo Yon, emphasised the importance of strategic trade management, stating, “There are economic benefits to building a secure trading environment that inspires the trust of exporting and importing countries and of innovative companies that supply high-tech goods. Research shows that being serious about protecting shipments of sensitive goods sends a positive signal and corresponds with increases in foreign direct investment.”
Experts from Singapore’s Centre for Trade Excellence, the U.S. Department of Commerce, and the Financial Intelligence Unit of the Maldives Monetary Authority also shared valuable insights. These specialists discussed strategies for coordinating government actions and engaging with industry to mitigate security and reputational risks in today’s complex global supply chains and logistics routes.
Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Export Control and Border Security (EXBS) Program, the forum highlighted international partners’ commitment to enhancing trade security. The EXBS Program works globally with governments and industries to strengthen strategic trade management, including legal frameworks, licensing, customs enforcement, and border security.
