U.S. Embassy Partners with Maldives Customs to Enhance Trade Security
The U.S. Embassy in the Maldives has collaborated with Maldives Customs Services to convene a forum focused on trade security, bringing together government agencies and international experts to discuss the importance of secure trade practices in attracting business and investment.
The event, held from 7th to 8th October, featured a keynote address by Chief Major General Ibrahim Hilmy of the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF). Trade regulators from the United Arab Emirates and the Philippines also presented their national systems for overseeing the trade and transhipment of strategic items.
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According to the U.S. Embassy, these strategic items include sensitive ‘dual-use’ goods and technologies that can be employed for both commercial and military purposes. The Embassy noted that while these goods can significantly contribute to innovation, they require enhanced protection measures.
Today marks the launch of the inaugural Maldives Strategic Trade Management Forum (STMF), organized by Maldives Customs Service with support from the U.S. State Department's EXBS program.@USinMaldives @HomeMinistrymv @MNDF_Official pic.twitter.com/VdQccRVhjm— Maldives Customs Service (@CustomsMv) October 7, 2024
The forum also included contributions from Singapore’s Centre for Trade Excellence, the U.S. Department of Commerce, and the Financial Intelligence Unit of the Maldives Monetary Authority. These specialists shared insights and strategies for improving coordination among government entities and engaging with the private sector to address security and reputational risks in today’s complex global supply chains and logistics networks.
Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Export Control and Border Security (EXBS) Program, the forum underscored the commitment of international partners to enhance trade security. The Embassy indicated that the EXBS Program works globally with government and industry stakeholders to strengthen strategic trade management, including legal frameworks, licensing, customs enforcement, and border security.
