Maldivian products worth approximately USD 3 million, or MVR 45 million, were sold through Authentic Maldives during the first ten months of 2025, according to statistics released by the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade.

Authentic Maldives, a Government-established brand operated under the Business Centre Corporation, was created to promote small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by marketing locally produced goods both within the Maldives and internationally. The latest figures indicate continued growth in sales compared to previous years.

Data from the Ministry shows that Maldivian products worth MVR 26.2 million were sold through Authentic Maldives in 2018, while sales during the first ten months of 2025 reached MVR 45 million. During the same period this year, a total of 35 products were sold under the Authentic Maldives brand, with women-led businesses accounting for 69 per cent of participating enterprises.

Authentic Maldives currently operates retail outlets at Velana International Airport, Gan International Airport, Thoddoo, and Villa Nautica. International outlets are also operated at Kansai and Narita International Airports, as well as at the World Bank headquarters in Japan.

The Ministry further revealed that 1,021 businesses have registered on the Kumevi portal, a digital platform designed to provide services for SMEs. In addition, Authentic Maldives has launched an online store on Alibaba, enabling Maldivian entrepreneurs to sell their products directly to international markets. 

Minister of Economic Development and Trade Mohamed Saeed said the initiative represents an important milestone in expanding opportunities for Maldivian businesses, empowering entrepreneurs, and promoting authentic Maldivian products globally. He also noted that the project demonstrates the benefits of the Maldives–China Free Trade Agreement.

The Government has stated that efforts are continuing to strengthen the SME and industrial sectors. President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has previously said the Administration aims to increase the contribution of the industrial sector to 15 per cent of the country’s GDP, adding that this year’s national exhibition was the largest ever held in the Maldives.