China and the Maldives have pledged to deepen bilateral cooperation with a focus on infrastructure development, sustainable tourism, and expanding economic ties.
Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Friday during Wang's stopover in the Maldives on his way back from Africa. The two sides expressed their commitment to enhancing collaboration across various sectors.
Relations between the two countries have reached new heights, especially with the China-Maldives Free Trade Agreement (FTA) taking effect on Jan 1, 2025, which exempts over 95 percent of traded goods from tariffs.
"This year we have started implementing the China-Maldives Free Trade Agreement. This is the first exclusive free trade agreement of Maldives with any country. And we expect a lot of opportunities for the Maldives and as well for Chinese businesses in the Maldives," said Ahmed Azaan Marzooq, member of Maldives Parliament, in a recent interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN).
For over five decades, China has played a key role in the Maldives' development, with its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) leaving a lasting impact on the country.
Standing out as an example of this collaboration, the China-Maldives Friendship Bridge now connects the Maldivian capital of Male with an international airport and nearby isles. A flagship BRI project, the bridge has revolutionized daily life and improved transportation, boosting the economy and creating new opportunities for tourism and business.
Looking ahead, China and the Maldives plan to broaden their cooperation in infrastructure and emerging sectors like sustainable tourism.
"President Dr. Muizzu assumed office with the world vision of transforming the Maldives. And he already announced a megaproject of developing a safe island close to Male which could accommodate more than 100,000 people. So, during his visit also he talked about this island and invited Chinese investors and companies to invest in this island and there have already been some interested Chinese parties," said Azaan.
The archipelagic country is embarking on a major land reclamation project spanning 1,100 hectares in the Fushi Dhiggaru Lagoon, near Male, aiming to create a safe island raised more than three meters above sea level. According to development plants, the project will blanket the land with greenery, transforming it into a vibrant and eco-friendly space.
President Mohamed Muizzu assumed office in November 2023 and embarked on his first state visit to China in January 2024.
China, Maldives to strengthen economic ties, development partnerships
