The Fannu Expo 2019, as a government-initiative to promote skills and craftmanship work in Maldives and provide professional breakthroughs for individuals in such profession, has kicked off on 16 September 2019.
Officiated at the National Art Gallery through a special ceremony held for the purpose, the Fannu Expo 2019 was officially launched by the Vice President of Maldives Honorable Faisal Naseem.
Vice President in his opening speech at the ceremony had asserted on the importance of promoting local craftmanship skills and how they are distinct. He also added that the uniqueness of the lacquerwork and other craftwork of Maldives can be promoted for worldwide recognition and acceptance.
At the launching event, the Expo’s promotional video was shown which had included interviews and video profiles of Maldivian craft workers and their portfolio of work.
The top five individuals from the Fannu Expo will receive funding through SME Development and Finance Corporation (SDFC) for their startups. To achieve this Maldives Ministry of Economic Development had signed with SDFC earlier on.
The event will be taking place simultaneously at Dharubaaruge, Children’s Park and at Kalaafaanu School with a total of 250 stalls.
Maldives Economic Minister Mr Fayyaz Ismail assured that this initiative will not end with holding the expo exclusively, but the government will continue its efforts to revitalize the Maldivian craftwork.
Participation window for the Expo has been opened until 30 September while the expo itself will be taking place from 22 to 28 November. Participants can enroll under 77 different categories.
Maldives government views this event as the perfect platform for local MSMEs to show their talent.