Mark and Comm and Ethera Business announce collaboration to support brands entering the Maldives

Strategic communications and cross-border advisory expertise combine to support market positioning, stakeholder engagement and implementation

Mark and Comm (Pvt) Ltd and Ethera Business LLC have announced a strategic collaboration under a signed Memorandum of Understanding. The collaboration combines Mark and Comm’s strategic communications expertise with Ethera’s cross-border advisory capabilities and knowledge of the Maldivian market, supporting organisations with market positioning, stakeholder engagement and communications for market entry.

Ethera Business is a specialist cross-border advisory firm focused on the UAE–Sri Lanka–Maldives corridor. It advises corporations, investors and institutions on market entry, corporate and investment structuring, and cross-border partnerships. Ethera Business is led by Ranga Goonawardena, Founder and CEO and former High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to the Maldives. His diplomatic and commercial experience informs the firm’s understanding of the region’s institutions, business environment and stakeholder expectations.

Mark and Comm, based in Colombo, will contribute strategic communications planning, campaign development, messaging, creative direction, content and media relations. Ethera will contribute cross-border advisory, market insight, institutional and stakeholder engagement, and coordination of implementation in the Maldives. For assignments undertaken under the MOU in the Maldives, Ethera Business LLC or its designated Maldives affiliate will serve as the lead applicant and primary contracting entity, subject to applicable procurement and regulatory requirements.

Thanzyl Thajudeen, Managing Director of Mark and Comm Pvt Ltd, met Ranga Goonawardena in Colombo on 10 October to discuss practical steps for taking the collaboration forward.

Sri Lanka and the Maldives share maritime routes, tourism ties and close links between their people. Potential areas for commercial collaboration include tourism and hospitality, services, agriculture, healthcare, education and sustainability. Market entry requires careful assessment of sector-specific requirements, applicable approvals and procurement conditions. Clear communications and informed stakeholder engagement help organisations explain their offering and build understanding in the market.

Mark and Comm works across technology, aviation, financial services, hospitality, FMCG, industrial, agriculture, development, healthcare, and sustainability among many others. The agency, a member of the GlobalCom PR Network and a Corporate Member of PRCA APAC, received Silver in the Rest of South Asia PR Agency of the Year category at the Campaign Asia-Pacific Agency of the Year Awards 2025.

Brands considering the Maldives need a strategy informed by the market and partners who understand its business environment

said Thanzyl Thajudeen, Managing Director of Mark and Comm. “Ethera brings cross-border advisory expertise and an informed understanding of the Maldivian market. We bring strategic communications, campaign development and media expertise. Together, we can help clients assess opportunities, develop market positioning and communicate effectively with relevant stakeholders.”

Ethera was founded to guide businesses as they expand beyond borders and establish a strong footing in new markets,

said Ranga Goonawardena, Founder and CEO of Ethera Business. “This collaboration brings our market-entry advisory and regional experience together with Mark and Comm’s communications expertise, giving clients coordinated support tailored to each assignment.”

Organisations interested in exploring opportunities in the Maldives can contact either firm at reach@markandcomm.com or info@etherabusiness.com.