Minister of Economic Development and Trade Mohamed Saeed has said that previous administrations have not taken sufficient steps to address the challenges faced by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Maldives.
He made the remarks while speaking on the first episode of Tharujamaanaa Eku, a podcast produced by the President’s Office, posted on Saturday.
SMEs in the Maldives continue to face a range of issues. On 17 December 2025, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu met with business leaders to discuss these challenges. Minister Saeed said the concerns raised during the meeting were reviewed extensively at the Cabinet meetings, and the President’s Office has instructed relevant government agencies to address the complaints raised by businesses.
Minister Saeed, who has previously served as Minister of Economic Development, noted that the current government has placed unprecedented emphasis on supporting small businesses. He highlighted measures already underway to alleviate operational difficulties, including improvements at Velana International Airport and the Malé Commercial Port, where service hours have been increased from three to five days per week.
He also confirmed that the Ministry of Finance and the Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA) are working to resolve issues affecting companies that have faced delays in receiving funds. Minister Saeed assured that these initiatives will provide tangible benefits to businesses.
Addressing criticism of the measures, the minister emphasised that the initiatives are intended to support, not hinder, small enterprises, noting that creating a conducive environment for SMEs is central to the President’s efforts to boost economic activity and help businesses thrive.
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu previously stated that this year and the next will mark significant steps in creating a more favourable environment for SMEs. Minister Saeed added that, as 2025 is celebrated as the Year of Creativity, the government will expand initiatives to ensure small and medium-sized businesses benefit fully from these programmes.
