Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, during his five-day state visit to China, urged for increased efforts to boost tourism from China to the Maldives. This appeal comes in light of recent cancellations by Indian tourists following a diplomatic row over derogatory remarks made by Maldivian ministers against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Addressing the Maldives Business Forum in Fujian Province, Muizzu emphasized the strong alliance between the Maldives and China, considering China as the island nation's "closest" ally. He commended the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) projects initiated by Chinese President Xi Jinping, noting their substantial impact on Maldivian infrastructure development.
Highlighting the importance of Chinese tourists, Muizzu urged China to intensify its efforts to regain its position as the Maldives' top tourism market, especially given the current challenges posed by the pandemic. He disclosed that a USD 50 million project for an integrated tourism zone in the Indian Ocean island has been signed between the two countries.
This plea for increased Chinese tourism follows the suspension of three deputy ministers and strong condemnation from the Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI) over derogatory comments made by some officials against Prime Minister Modi. Despite the recent diplomatic tensions, Muizzu's administration remains committed to diversifying the Maldivian economy and strengthening ties with China.
Muizzu also emphasized the quick implementation of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) signed in 2014 between Maldives and China. He sees the FTA as a crucial element in boosting bilateral trade, particularly in increasing the export of fish products to China.
At the Maldives Investment Forum, Muizzu sought investments from Chinese companies for various projects, including the relocation of the Male Commercial Port, Velana International Airport development, construction of 15 additional airports, and the expansion of Special Economic Zones (SEZ). Overall, President Muizzu's visit underscores the commitment to enhancing economic cooperation and deepening the longstanding ties between China and the Maldives.
(With Agency Inputs)
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