The roots of State Trading Organization PLC, dates back 1964 when it was opened to finance the purchasing and importation of essential food items needed for the Maldivian community in bulk. Today STO has sustained this crucial responsibility to oversee the food security concerns of the government. STO group, with its subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates, is a national leader in business. It also focuses in petroleum, cooking gas, construction materials, medical supplies and pharmaceuticals, home appliances, electronics, supermarket products and insurance. STO has set new focus to make a splash in the tourism sector. Ongoing and upcoming projects in this sector are designed to ensure STO becomes a big player in hospitality.