President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has held discussions with representatives of the cargo and customs clearance sector as part of efforts to address operational challenges and modernise port services at Malé Commercial Harbour.

The meeting, held at the President’s Office, provided customs clearance service providers with an opportunity to raise key concerns affecting the efficiency of cargo offloading and clearance.

Industry representatives highlighted issues related to operating hours, limitations in cargo-handling equipment, as well as procedural and administrative bottlenecks that continue to hinder smooth trade operations.

President Muizzu assured stakeholders that the Government would work closely with the sector to resolve these challenges, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to enhancing port efficiency and strengthening the country’s supply chain infrastructure.

He stressed that effective collaboration between public institutions and private operators is essential to sustaining economic activity and ensuring reliable trade flows.

The engagement follows earlier consultations between the President and small and medium-sized enterprises, during which cargo and logistics operators raised similar concerns, highlighting the urgency of reforms in port operations.

By engaging directly with service providers, the Government signalled a results-oriented approach aimed at easing business constraints and supporting commercial activity.

The discussions form part of President Muizzu’s broader economic agenda to modernise trade facilitation, reduce operational bottlenecks, and ensure that the country’s main commercial port operates in line with the demands of a growing, import-dependent economy.