The Ministry of Economic Development and Trade (MEDT) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) yesterday, marking a significant step towards strengthening export development in the Maldives.
According to a press release issued by the ministry, the partnership aims to address long-standing challenges faced by Maldivian exporters in accessing international markets. These challenges include complex regulatory and certification requirements, varying registration frameworks, and difficulties in integrating into global value chains—factors that continue to hinder the global competitiveness of local businesses.
Through the MoU, MEDT and UNDP will collaborate on export market research, focusing on identifying sector-specific regulatory and certification standards in key trading partner countries. The insights generated from this research will support exporters by simplifying compliance processes and improving trade facilitation.
The ministry stated that the initiative is intended to pave the way for Maldivian businesses to expand internationally, enhance their competitiveness, and increase national export volumes through evidence-based policy support and capacity building.
This collaboration highlights the government’s commitment to fostering a more resilient and outward-looking economy by empowering local businesses to thrive in global markets.
