Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, during his state visit to China, urged the country to enhance efforts in attracting more tourists, especially in light of recent cancellations by Indian tourists following a diplomatic dispute. In a speech at the Maldives Business Forum in Fujian Province, Muizzu praised China as the island nation’s “closest” ally and emphasized the importance of intensifying tourism efforts, as China was the Maldives’ primary market before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Muizzu expressed gratitude for the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) projects initiated by Chinese President Xi Jinping, stating that they have delivered significant infrastructure projects in Maldivian history. He also highlighted the signing of a USD 50 million project to develop an integrated tourism zone in the Maldives.
The appeal for increased Chinese tourism follows derogatory remarks by some Maldivian ministers against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, leading to the suspension of three deputy ministers and condemnation from the Maldives Association of Tourism Industry. Despite the diplomatic tensions, India remained the largest tourist market for the Maldives in 2023, with China ranking third.
The Maldivian president’s visit to China included discussions on collaborative efforts, economic diversification, and the implementation of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) signed in 2014. Muizzu expressed his administration’s commitment to the quick implementation of the FTA, emphasizing its role in enhancing bilateral trade and investments. Additionally, he sought investments from Chinese companies for various projects, including the relocation of the Male Commercial Port, Velana International Airport development, construction of additional airports, and expansion of Special Economic Zones (SEZ). The president is set to engage in high-level meetings with Chinese leaders in Beijing to further strengthen bilateral ties.
