DTIS, Volume I - Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF)

K. PRIVATE SECTOR STAKEHOLDERS
Private sector stakeholders are organized in five main associations: the Maldives National
Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MNCCI), the Women Entrepreneurs Council
(WEC), the Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI), the Fishermen’s
Association of Maldives (FAM), and the Maldives Association of Construction Industry
(MACI). With the exception of MATI, these bodies are generally poorly funded with
very limited capacity.
MALDIVES NATIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (MNCCI)
The MNCCI operates on a voluntary basis, largely funded by private entrepreneurs. The
membership consists mostly of traders carrying out import and export activities as well as
some fisheries and tourism operators. The limited funds available do not permit any real
lobbying functions. Staffing is basic consisting primarily of an Administrator and
bookkeeper. There is no capacity for research in trade policy or any other issues. There is
potential to extend the membership to cover more SME businesses.
The MNCCI is represented on a number of forums established by the government,
including the National WTO Standing Committee, but overall there is very little dialogue
with government and there is a strong perception in the Chamber that its views are not
taken into account.
The MNCCI has the potential to become a service organization for the private sector
including in the area of SMEs support. There will be need to strengthen its capacity in
core functions such as representation, research and dissemination of international market
intelligence and consulting services for its members.
WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS COUNCIL (WEC)
The WEC is made up of women entrepreneurs with the objective of supporting women in
business and encouraging women to enter business. The Council does not have a fulltime
secretariat and will require both technical and financial assistance.
MALDIVES ASSOCIATION OF TOURISM INDUSTRY (MATI)
MATI is the main tourism sector association and has substantial resources and capacity.
Its members are drawn from both foreign and local investors in the sector. Marketing is a
key function in the tourism industry (most resorts pre-sell their beds through financial
arrangements with international tour operators) and requires cooperation among hotel and
resort owners. The very high occupancy rates in the Maldives suggest that marketing
efforts have been efficient.
Although there is a well-established consultative process with government, many
members of MATI feel that they lack influence on government policy. A prevailing view
in MATI is one of excessive regulation of the tourism sector leading some investors to
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