President opens national arts and crafts exhibition

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih opened the ‘Fannu Expo 2019’ national arts and crafts exhibition on Thursday night.

Organised by the economic development ministry, the seven-day exhibition features over 30,000 products from more than 350 participants. The exhibition is open to the public at the Dharubaaruge convention centre, Kalaafanu School and the children’s park in Malé’s eastern corner.

The 78 categories include handicraft, fisheries, transportation, construction, culinary arts, literature, fashion and design, and Information and Communication Technologies. A Fannu Expo Business Hub was set up under the theme ‘ICT as a driver of Economic Growth.’

The president presented certificates and awards to the creators of the top five products showcased at the exhibition. Vice President Faisal Naseem handed over certificates and awards to the top winners in six categories.

The number of exhibits was testament to the rich cultural heritage of the Maldives, President Solih said in his remarks at the opening ceremony, highlighting the need to further promote Maldivian workmanship.

He “emphasised that one of the main functions of the exhibition is to bridge artists and artisans with potential buyers,” according to the president’s office, and pledged support for such businesses, “especially for the growth of women entrepreneurship.”

The 2020 budget includes MVR450 million (US$29 million) for the development of small and medium-sized enterprises, he said. Since the SME Development Finance Corporation was opened in March as pledged during the first 100 days of the new administration, the new bank has received proposals worth MVR1.3 billion, the president revealed, of which proposals worth MVR233 million has been approved.

Some 93 percent of businesses in the Maldives are SMEs, he noted.

The Fannu Expo closes on November 28.

Fannu Expo Business Hub will kick off at Dharubaaruge on 24th November 2019 at 2000hrs to 2130hrs.
In addition to our expert panelists, @Dhiraagu and @OoredooMaldives will also be taking part in the discussion as well. pic.twitter.com/8r9prJ9YDO

— Fannuexpo (@fannuexpo) November 22, 2019

we are at @fannuexpo, come visit our stall to purchase beautiful handmade bowls, delicious pickles and more, 💁🏽‍♀️ all made by Maldivian women 💪🏽🇲🇻#supportsupportivewomen pic.twitter.com/jqqFYpuNNF

— Maldives Women's Association (@MVWomensAssn) November 22, 2019

Do remember to visit MIT Stall to experience skills and witness amazing products developed by Maldivian Women. We are located inside Kalaafaanu School Hall. @fannuexpo @BCC_mv @TVETAuthority @mhaashim @faya_i @DrChubby @HajjaAdam pic.twitter.com/AAuVUN60Fq

— Maldives Institute of Technology (@mitmaldives) November 22, 2019

We are all set up at @fannuexpo
Come find us at Hakura Hall, Dharubaaruge, ground floor.

Expo is everyday from 4-6 pm
And 8-10 pm
22-28 Nov pic.twitter.com/AYOsZVe7pB

— Thakethi (@thakethi_) November 22, 2019

Thank you @fannuexpo for honouring me with this award. Big thank you to all my family, friends and followers for all the love and support. ❤ #cakesbyshafa #fannuexpo2019#mywork pic.twitter.com/sfR8r3wgLC

— Cakesbyshafa (@cakesbyshafa) November 22, 2019

Our location has changed! Visit Rooyarts stall at Hakuraa maalam (ground floor) Dharubaaruge @fannuexpo pic.twitter.com/c1p7gDvLP4

— Ro_Oya.Hussain⚡ (@Ro_oya) November 23, 2019

MAPD always will be there to empower PWDs in Maldives & showcase their abilities. through project "Learn & Earn" Visit MAPD's stall @fannuexpo Thank you, the proud parents of MAPD. You may assist them by purchasing an item from this stall. Empower them, promote #empathy pic.twitter.com/NlGls0MtrY

— MAPD (@MAPD_New) November 23, 2019

We are so excited to be supporting local talent by giving away the remarkable local products of Trade Thakethi, Ogaa, Island Bazaar, Lavalier and Crafts Studio Maldives. Visit the MWSC stall at Hakuraa Maalam at the #FannuExpo2019 to stand a chance to win one of these goodies. pic.twitter.com/AkgXaNhvGk

— Male' Water and Sewerage Company Pvt. Ltd. (@MWSC_Official) November 22, 2019

Get a meaningful insight into various renewable energy and energy efficiency initiatives at #TeamFenaka stall at @fannuexpo pic.twitter.com/QohGX46HdI

— Fenaka Corporation Ltd (@TeamFenaka) November 23, 2019

ITS HAPPENING!!

Visit #fannuexpo2019 and check out the work of our creative artists from different parts of MALDIVES!

We are at Dharubaaruge, Kalaafaanu school and children’s park till 28th NOVEMBER 2019 #Fannuexpo2019 #largestexpo pic.twitter.com/BnSIdouacZ

— Fannuexpo (@fannuexpo) November 22, 2019