Innahura Maldives Resort has been recognised as the Maldives’ first certified Authorised Economic Operator (AEO), marking a new chapter in the country’s efforts to modernise trade facilitation and reward regulatory compliance.
The certificate was formally presented on 15 July at a ceremony held at the Maldives Customs Service headquarters. State Minister for Economic Development and Trade, Abdulla Siyaz, awarded the AEO certificate to Hussein Hameed, Manager of Innahura Maldives’ Malé office.
State Minister Siyaz described the launch of the AEO programme as a significant step in enhancing the Maldives’ trade environment. He praised Maldives Customs for its continued work in strengthening the regulatory framework to support a more business-friendly landscape.
Commissioner General of Customs, Fatimath Dhiyana, highlighted the global relevance of the AEO model, which is currently in operation in 89 countries. She explained that the Maldivian version includes three certification tiers, Silver, Gold, and Platinum, each offering tailored benefits based on a participant’s compliance history and duration of trade activity.
With its certification, Innahura Maldives gains access to a range of privileges, including automated declaration assessments, expedited customs inspections, and faster processing of key trade documents such as certificates of origin and advance rulings.
Hussein Hameed remarked that the certification reflected Innahura’s longstanding commitment to transparency and adherence to regulatory norms. He acknowledged the responsibility that comes with being the first certified operator in the country and noted that other resorts within the same group are also preparing to apply for AEO status.
The Maldives AEO programme is designed to promote secure and efficient trade by recognising businesses that consistently meet customs, import, and export requirements. While eligibility requires at least five consecutive years of trading history, the initiative is open to qualified small and medium-sized enterprises as well.
