State Trading Organization (STO) and Japanese power tool giant Makita have marked a major milestone, celebrating 25 years of partnership at a special event hosted at Kurumba Maldives Resort.
The ceremony brought together key stakeholders from both countries, highlighting not only the business success of the collaboration but also its wider impact on the Maldivian construction industry. Among the distinguished guests were Japanese Ambassador to the Maldives, Ishigami Rumiko, STO’s Managing Director and CEO, Shimad Ibrahim, and Makita’s Director, Corporate Officer, and Head of International Sales Headquarters, Omoté Takashi.
Product Launch and Live Demonstrations
The event also served as a platform to introduce Makita’s latest line of tools. A dedicated “experience zone” allowed participants to test the innovations firsthand, underscoring Makita’s continued commitment to supplying high-quality solutions tailored to the needs of the Maldivian market.
Recognizing Key Partners
In his remarks, STO Construction Solutions Director, Mohamed Eeman, praised the enduring partnership and extended gratitude to STO Makita’s loyal customer base. To honor those relationships, commemorative plaques were presented to top clients including Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), Housing Development Corporation (HDC), State Electric Company (STELCO), Maldives Ports Limited (MPL), Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC), Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), Universal Enterprises, The Hawks Pvt Ltd, Alia Constructions Pvt Ltd, and SJ Constructions Pvt Ltd.
Strengthening Ties Between Maldives and Japan
Closing speeches from Omoté Takashi and Ambassador Rumiko reinforced the significance of the STO–Makita partnership. Both noted how the collaboration has introduced cutting-edge technologies, raised industry standards, and fostered stronger economic ties between Japan and the Maldives. The ambassador emphasized that this enduring relationship has positively influenced bilateral cooperation beyond business, strengthening the foundation of diplomatic and cultural exchange.
A Milestone for the Industry
Over the past 25 years, STO and Makita’s partnership has become a pillar of the local construction sector, equipping professionals and companies with reliable tools while contributing to the country’s infrastructure development. With the introduction of new products and continued customer engagement, both companies reaffirmed their commitment to driving innovation and supporting the Maldives’ fast-evolving construction landscape.
