Work has commenced to establish bonded zone and duty-free storage services at Hithadhoo Commercial Harbour in Addu City, aimed at strengthening logistics, trade facilitation, and supply chain efficiency in the southern atolls.

The agreements were signed between Minister of Economic Development and Trade Mohamed Saeed and Managing Director of Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) Mohamed Rishwan on behalf of the company. The initiative follows an announcement made by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu during this year’s Presidential Address to expand bonded storage and logistics services in the southern region.

Under the project, three key services will be introduced at Hithadhoo Commercial Harbour: bonded warehouse services, duty-free storage facilities for food and essential goods, and bulk cargo handling services. 

Hithadhoo Port Limited (HPL) said the introduction of these services are expected to reduce cargo clearance costs and enable businesses in the southern atolls to import goods closer to their markets, improving efficiency in supply chains. The company noted that the development is also expected to support economic activity in the southern region, including the construction sector.

Hithadhoo Regional Port, which has been in operation for around two decades, serves as a key cargo hub for the southern atolls. The port is equipped to handle containerised and general cargo and plays a central role in facilitating trade and industrial activity in the region.