Plans to establish an American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) in the Maldives were announced during the United States Embassy’s Independence Day reception in Malé on 13 August. The initiative, being advanced by an initial working group, aims to strengthen business links between the Maldives and the United States.
The reception was attended by diplomats, government officials, business leaders, and members of the international community.
US Ambassador to the Maldives Hugo Yon said the new chamber would act as a bridge between American and Maldivian businesses while supporting the government’s economic goals. “AmCham Maldives will serve as a bridge for American and local businesses, providing resources, networking opportunities, and strategic guidance to align with the government’s priorities in tourism, renewable energy, and sustainable development,” he said.
The proposed chapter will focus on supporting businesses operating in the Maldives through advocacy, market insights, and professional development programmes. It will also offer advisory input to the Maldivian government on economic policy, drawing from the experience of a global AmCham network present in over 100 countries.
Details on the chamber’s structure, membership, and launch timeline are expected to be shared in the coming months, with the working group promising regular updates. Businesses interested in participating are encouraged to reach out to the working group or the US Embassy. “We encourage all stakeholders to get involved in this exciting venture,” said Sandun Hapugoda, Country Manager of Mastercard Sri Lanka & Maldives and a member of the working group.
The announcement comes as the Maldives seeks to attract foreign investment for post-pandemic recovery and to address climate challenges. The creation of AmCham could help draw more US-based firms to explore opportunities in the Maldives beyond its luxury tourism sector.
