With the participation of several Asian countries, this year's "Build Expo" has kicked off in Central Park.

The expo, organized by the Maldives National Association of Construction Industry (MACI) and running from April 16 to 19, was inaugurated by the Minister of Economic Development, Transport, and Trade, Mohammed Saeed.

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Saeed emphasised the Government’s ongoing commitment to fostering growth and expanding opportunities for stakeholders within the industry.

Highlighting current challenges, the Minister noted that ongoing conflicts in the Middle East have had a considerable impact on the Maldivian construction sector, particularly in relation to the import of essential materials. He explained that these geopolitical tensions have led to disruptions in logistics and supply chains, making it increasingly difficult to secure necessary goods.

Despite these challenges, Minister Saeed affirmed that the Government has been proactive since the onset of the conflict, working continuously to ensure that essential construction materials remain readily available in the market. He added that, even with the prolonged nature of the situation, the government has successfully maintained a steady supply of goods without significant shortages.

This year’s event features participation from leading companies based in India, Sri Lanka, Thailand and China. The expo will be held daily from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m..