Minister of Economic Development and Trade Mohamed Saeed has said the collaboration with e-commerce giant Alibaba has created new income-generating opportunities for Maldivian businesses by enabling them to sell their products directly to international markets.

He made the remarks at the opening ceremony of the From Maldives to Global Market workshop, held in partnership with Alibaba in Malé on 15 September 2025. The event, which drew over 600 participants both in person and online, aimed to provide local entrepreneurs with practical knowledge on accessing global e-commerce platforms.

Minister Saeed described the occasion as a historic day for the Maldives, noting that the initiative stems from the Maldives–China Free Trade Agreement. He highlighted that over 250 business professionals had already joined the sessions, with more expected to benefit through online participation.

Through Alibaba.com, Maldivian products can now be introduced to a platform with 40 million buyers across nearly 200 countries, generating around 400,000 daily product inquiries. The Minister stressed that the partnership is not only about sales but also about sharing Maldivian culture and identity with the world.

The workshop also covered guidance on product development for international markets, logistics, and other key areas to help businesses prepare for export. According to the Ministry, such initiatives are designed to equip Maldivian enterprises with the tools to expand beyond domestic boundaries and strengthen their contribution to the national economy.