Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed has announced a series of dialogue meetings with small businesses, saying direct engagement is essential to understanding and resolving the challenges they face.
Speaking at the sixth annual Authentic Maldives ceremony, Saeed said government services for businesses can only be strengthened by “talking directly to businessmen and identifying their problems.” He said regular meetings would allow the ministry to gather feedback and respond more effectively.
The announcement comes amid growing criticism that the government has neglected small businesses, pushing many toward financial distress. President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu recently met with business owners and pledged major concessions to support them this year and next.
Celebrating 6 years of Authentic Maldives!Empowering local artisans across Maldives, celebrating craftsmanship, and connecting MSMEs to national and global markets. Here’s to many more years of empowering Maldivian creativity. #AuthenticMaldives #BCC #DhiveheenahIskan pic.twitter.com/DXF0g7ileo
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One of the biggest concerns raised by business owners is the large amount of unpaid government bills. Several businessmen told the President during the meeting on the 17th of last month that they have not been paid for work completed more than a year ago. The outstanding payments include invoices worth millions of rufiyaa.
Business owners have asked the government to resolve the issue by offsetting overdue payments against the taxes they owe. The President assured that the pending payments would be cleared before next Ramadan.
SMEs have also been voicing concerns about the government’s debt to small and medium enterprises, saying the delays have made it increasingly difficult to operate.
President Muizzu has said that addressing these issues and promoting small businesses will be a key priority this year.