Over 700 Join Alibaba Workshop to Take Maldivian Businesses Global

A special workshop organized by the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade in partnership with Alibaba has kicked off with more than 700 participants, aiming to help Maldivian businesses access the international market through the world’s largest e-commerce platform.

The one-day event, held at the Barcelona Nasandra, brought together entrepreneurs from across the Maldives, with many also joining online. The initiative is part of the government’s broader push to expand opportunities for local businesses and increase exports.

Officials from Alibaba, including Group Business Manager Nasri Ma and Public Affairs General Manager Xiong Tao, led key sessions at the workshop. They provided guidance on opening seller accounts, promoting Maldivian products on the platform, leveraging artificial intelligence to identify market trends, and navigating advertising tools to maximize reach.

In addition, participants were briefed on pricing strategies, conducting financial transactions through local institutions, and international shipping logistics, with Maldives Post presenting available delivery solutions.

The ministry noted that the program supports the government’s goal of expanding the creative industry to contribute 15 percent of national GDP. By strengthening access to foreign markets, the initiative is expected to create new revenue streams for Maldivian entrepreneurs and increase the global visibility of local products and services.

Alibaba, which connects buyers and sellers across more than 200 countries, has over 40 million registered businesses and individuals providing goods and services worldwide.