Trade and Investment

Success at Maldives Trade Show

Ambassador Blake and Maldives Minister of Tourism Dr. Shauquee visiting the exhibition booths at the American Pavilion.

The United States Embassy hosted an American Pavilion at the Maldives Hotel & Trade Exhibition in the Dharubaaruge Convention Center in Male' August 28-30, 2007. 14 companies representing a wide variety of U.S. products and sectors such as food & beverage, information technology, telecommunication, aviation, renewable energy, infrastructure, fitness equipment, and consumer goods participated at the pavilion. U.S. Ambassador to Maldives, Robert Blake, escorted Maldivian Ministers through the American Pavilion introducing the Ministers to both the exhibitors and American products. 

The Maldives Hotel and Trade Exhibition presents attractive opportunities for companies looking to enter into this small but growing market which has demonstrated price flexibility with respect to high end products and technology.

The American Pavilion has grown considerably from its relatively small beginning in 1999 as a catalog show. The expansion of the show and our pavilion over the past few years have resulted in export sales, partnerships, and trade leads for participating companies. U.S. Companies in food & beverage, renewable energy, information technology, and consumer products have enjoyed considerable success in Maldives. 

Ambassador Blake and Minister Shauquee listen to an exhibitor discuss interior design products.		Exhibitors at the American Pavilion showcasing U.S. helicopters.

Maldivian Economy is growing strongly, led by the dynamic tourism sector.  Maldives now has the highest per capita income in the South Asia region. Maldives imports most of its required goods as it has limited facilities for manufacturing and processing. Maldives has embarked on major infrastructure projects such as new island development near the capital, new hotels, and tsunami recovery projects involving harbor and island rehabilitation programs. U.S. companies may find opportunities to provide technology, services, and products to the Maldives. The U.S. Embassy in Colombo is ready to advise U.S. companies interested in exploring this market.  For further information, please contact commercialcolombo@state.gov.