Maldives to venture into manufacture of soft toys

Ministry of Economic Affairs of Maldives is currently working on creating a soft toy manufacturing industry in Maldives, a complete turnaround for a country which’s only form of export is tourism and fish products.

Deputy Economic Minister, Adam Thaufeeq spoke to “Sun” and said that it was part of the government’s objective to increase Maldivian products and market them outside the country.

He said that the effort will start with the production and export of soft toys.

“We are working on starting production of soft toys at an industrial level. We are currently focusing on soft toys, and will continue with the series,” said Thaufeeq.

He said that in addition to soft toys, the government would also be focusing on production and export of traditional Maldivian handicraft products such as lacquer work and coconut shell products.

Thaufeeq said that the Ministry was working on building factories, adding that the government expected the industry to be set up within 2016.