Maldives Marine Expo 2016 opens at Hulhumale’

Environment minister Thoriq Ibrahim inaugurates the Maldives Marine Expo 2016 in Hulhumale. PHOTO: HUSSAIN SHAYAAH/MIHAARU

The Maldives kicked off its annual marine industry fair “Maldives Marine Expo 2016” on Tuesday.

The third expo since the event’s creation, the fair this year is held in reclaimed suburb Hulhumale with 32 participants, including a number of international parties.


The four-day expo features various state-of-the-art facilities related to the marine sector, machineries, tools, marine vessels including boats and launches, and prominent brands of diving and water sports. Some of the items are available for sale at rates lower than the market price at the fair.

This year’s Marine Expo also offers a range of brand new activities. According to the event’s organiser and manager BLAK Pvt Ltd, visitors to the expo can participate in marine talks unlike the previous years, and sign up for water sports activities at the National Art Gallery in capital Male. Water sports will be open for visitors on Friday, the final day of the fair.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the Marine Expo, environment minister Thoriq Ibrahim declared the increasing numbers of participants as a boost to the fair.

“To expand the Marine Expo, it will become an international expo in the future,” he added. “The Maldives is the most ideal destination to hold such events.”

Pledging the government’s assistance in holding such fairs in the future, the minister also stressed the importance of offering opportunities and jobs to youth in such events.

Short intro on Maldives Marine Expo

• India, China, Russia and the United States are participating in this year’s expo.
• The expo is open from 3:00 to 10:00 p.m.
• Major local firms are taking part.
• Brand new products will be unveiled to the public.
• The expo at the Art Gallery also features submitted artwork.

Hosted by Liveaboard Association of Maldives, its president Hassan Haleem said that the expos have increased people’s recognition and trust in the Maldives’ marine industry.

He asserted the expos’ positive impact on the island nation’s economy, saying that it also helps create new local businesses.

Some of the participating firms have unveiled products entirely new to the market at the expo including launches, engines and jet skis. Several stalls are also offering hefty discounts for the items on sale.

By mihaaru.com