The State Trading Organisation (STO) has celebrated the 25th anniversary of its collaboration with Hitachi at a high-profile ceremony hosted at the newly opened Barceló Nasandhura Malé on Friday, 28 November 2025. Overlooking the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean and located just minutes from Velana International Airport and the Henveiru ferry terminal, the five-star city resort provided a premium setting that underlined the growing role of Malé’s urban hospitality sector in hosting corporate and trade-focused events. With 136 elegantly designed rooms and 116 serviced apartments, along with panoramic sea views and contemporary interiors, Barceló Nasandhura is positioning itself as one of the capital’s flagship venues for executive gatherings and lifestyle stays.
Speaking at the ceremony, STO representatives underscored Hitachi’s longstanding reputation in global markets and highlighted how the brand’s presence in the Maldives has strengthened over the past decade. Hitachi air conditioners, refrigerators and other home appliances have become familiar features in Maldivian households, supported by a focus on energy-efficient technologies that help reduce electricity consumption while maintaining performance. This has translated into strong consumer confidence and made Hitachi one of the preferred brands in the country’s home appliance segment.
The event served as a symbolic testament to a 25-year partnership that has evolved from simple product distribution into a strategic relationship anchored in reliability, after-sales support and joint market development. STO emphasised that the collaboration aligns with its broader mandate to bring high-quality, durable and efficient products to Maldivian consumers, while supporting national priorities such as energy conservation and sustainable development. The company noted that the consistency of Hitachi’s product performance has played an important role in solidifying their shared market position over the years.
Adding diplomatic significance to the evening, the ceremony was graced by the Ambassador of Japan to the Maldives, Ishigami Rumiko, who attended as the guest of honour. Senior leadership from Hitachi, including the Managing Director, joined STO Chairman Amir Mansoor, STO Board Members, STO Managing Director Shimad Ibrahim and other senior officials from both organisations. Their presence underscored the wider economic ties between the Maldives and Japan, particularly in sectors such as trade, technology and infrastructure, and highlighted how private-sector partnerships can complement bilateral relations.
A dedicated showcase of selected Hitachi products available in the Maldivian market formed a central element of the programme. Guests were able to experience the breadth of the brand’s portfolio, including premium air conditioners and refrigerators that have proven popular with both residential and commercial customers. During the ceremony, STO also recognised four loyal customers for their longstanding patronage of Hitachi appliances over the partnership period, underscoring the value placed on customer relationships and brand loyalty.
One of the highlights of the evening was the unveiling of Hitachi’s latest product range, signalling the company’s intention to keep pace with evolving consumer expectations in terms of design, efficiency and smart functionality. STO noted that introducing new models into the Maldivian market is part of a wider strategy to ensure access to modern, reliable appliances that support a higher quality of life while managing operational and energy costs for both households and businesses.
For Barceló Nasandhura, hosting the anniversary celebration further reinforced its emerging role as a preferred venue for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions in Malé. The property offers more than 1,000 square metres of dedicated MICE facilities, complemented by an oceanfront pool, a fully equipped gym with sea views, a spa with multiple treatment rooms and a refined culinary offering across several restaurants and bars. Together, these features position the hotel as an attractive option for corporate functions that combine business with premium hospitality experiences in the heart of the capital.
Anniversary event as an important step towards deepening its relationship with Hitachi. The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening mutual trust, expanding the range of solutions offered to Maldivian customers and celebrating future milestones as the partnership continues to grow. Against the backdrop of Barceló Nasandhura’s contemporary city-resort setting, the evening highlighted both the resilience of a 25-year business alliance and the evolving potential of Malé as a sophisticated hub for regional trade and corporate gatherings
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