News Desk
ADDU CITY, — Maldives Ports Limited has been awarded the contract to establish a bonded zone at the commercial port in Addu City, a project the government says will expand regional trade capacity and reduce the cost of essential goods.
The agreement was signed at a ceremony held at Addu High School by Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed and MPL’s chief executive, Mohamed Rishwan.
In his Presidential Address to Parliament on Thursday, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu announced that duty‑free storage for food and basic commodities would begin in Addu later this month — a pledge now formalised through the new agreement.
Under the contract, MPL will develop a bonded area at the Hithadhoo commercial port for duty‑free storage of food, essential goods and other imports. The project also includes bonded‑warehouse services for resorts in the southern region and a designated zone for bulk storage of construction materials.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Saeed said the initiative would allow the country’s regional ports to operate at their full potential.
Rishwan echoed that view, noting that expanding services in the south would ease pressure on Malé’s congested commercial port. He added that the main port is scheduled to be relocated to Thilafushi by November next year.
“With the relocation of the main commercial port to Thilafushi, it is equally important to strengthen the services of regional ports,” Rishwan said. “We will all be pleased to see cargo prices fall in the provinces, and the public will benefit from it.”
Officials described the project as a significant step towards strengthening food security, supporting sustainable development and broadening economic activity across the country.
Photo: MPL
