Fifth edition of Maldives Marine Expo, the official exhibition of the country’s liveaboard industry, began on Wednesday.

During a ceremony held Wednesday afternoon at the expo grounds, economic minister Fayyaz Ismail inaugurated expo.

“After 12 years, the Liveaboard Association has received national status and changed to National Boating Association of Maldives. We, the government, will hear and consider the voice of the organisation when making decisions regarding the development of tourism and marine industry,” the minister said.

“Approximately, 300 vessels are operating in the Maldives including safari boats, diving dhonis and fishing vessels. Almost 8,000 locals are employed on these vessels. In a very near future, a harbour will be built that is safe and closer to both Hulhule and Male.”

Top officials from the National Boating Association of Maldives and representatives from the marine industry attended the ceremony.

“This event has expanded over the years, especially this year. An event like this has always been a challenge. We appreciate the support from the event manager and industry,” Ismail Hameed Vice President of the National Boating Association of Maldives, said, in his opening remarks.

“This is the longest running event in the marine industry and the purpose of an event such as this is to bring the industry together on one platform and share their products with other businesses and state-of-the-art options available in the market.”

Held from Wednesday to Friday at the main convention centre of Dharubaaruge and the Fishermen’s Park in capital Male, the Maldives Marine Expo 2019 features 30 exhibitors occupying 52 stalls.

With the theme of marine technology, the fifth edition of the expo aims to explore new developments with the help of experts and specialists in the field. Technological developments that would improve maritime operations are being showcased during this expo.

This year’s expo also features a ‘Water Display Area’ at the Fishermen’s Park in capital Male, where exhibitors are showcasing their vessels.

Gulf Craft serves as the main sponsor of the Maldives Marine Expo 2019, whilst Al-Shaali Marine has been appointed as a co-sponsor. Other partners include:

• Dhiraagu: Digital Service Partner
• Event Maldives: Sound & Lights Partner
• Mihaaru: Media Partner
• Floating Asia: Magazine Partner
• Design Gallery: Production Partner
• Eliyz: Photography Partner
• Crowe Maldives LLP: Audit Partner
• Absolute Security & Advance Protection: Security Partner
• Habitat Pvt Ltd: Flooring Partner
• The Civil Coffee Society: Specialty Coffee Partner
• Print Lab: Printing Partner
• Loopcraft: Creative Partner
• Aqua Vita Residencies: Real Estate Partner
• Virtual Technologies LLP: Technology Partner
• Sunfront Pvt Ltd: Furnishing Partner
• Toddy Inc.: Apparels partner

Organised by Blak, the Maldives Marine Expo is an international platform that presents a diverse range of exhibitors that contribute to the marine industry.

Over the past five years, the Maldives Marine Expo has served as a link between manufacturers, suppliers and service providers, and has facilitated connections between large corporations and stand-alone businesses. The expo, held as the official exhibition of the National Boating Association of Maldives, continues to introduce newcomers and innovative technologies to the market.

The National Boating Association of Maldives, formerly known as Liveaboard Association of Maldives (LAM), is the official representative body for the Maldives’ liveaboard industry.