President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom has stated that the Government wants to encourage craftsmen and provide them with more opportunities to showcase their talent. The President stated this while speaking at the “Maldives Expo 2015” awards function held at Usfasgandu.
In his speech, the President pointed out that one of the biggest obstacles to encouraging and providing opportunities for Maldivian craftsmen was finding a market for their products. The President also noted the importance of maintaining the quality of the products, adding that the products should be in continuous supply and should be reasonably priced. Another obstacle we face is maintaining a good rapport between the producers and the buyers and finding a platform for the two to interact, the President said.
In addition, the President stated that Maldives will be awarded the “Country of Honour” in next year’s Expo that is to be held in Kunming, China. The President added that the purpose of participating in the Chinese Expo is to showcase Maldivian products. Additionally, the President said that selected displays from Maldives Expo will be exhibited at the Chinese Expo.
In his speech, the President said that the exhibits on display in the Maldives Expo were just models; that these models should be commercialized and automated for the mass market which would then maximize profitability to the craftsmen.
The President presented Certificates, Prizes and SME loans to those who won first place. The winners of second place were awarded Certificates and Prize by Minister of Economic Development Hon. Mohamed Saeed, and those who won the third place were awarded Certificates and Prize by Minister of Tourism Hon. Moosa Zameer.
The President was accompanied by Speaker of the People’s Majlis, Mr. Abdulla Maseeh, Cabinet Ministers, members of the People’s Majlis and various officials of the Government.
