On 14 December 2022, to mark the 50th anniversary of China-Maldives diplomatic relations, the Chinese Embassy and the Ministry of Economic Development of Maldives co-hosted the Business Forum on Joint Construction of the Belt and Road between China and Maldives.  

H.E. Ambassador Wang Lixin, H.E. Minister of Economic of Development Fayyaz Ismail, the relevant senior government officials and over 50 representatives of Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Maldives & Maldivian enterprises attended the forum.

H.E. Ambassador Wang delivered a speech, stressing that over the past 50 years of diplomatic ties, China and Maldives have always respected and supported each other, which has set a good example of countries of different sizes treating each other as equals and seeking win-win cooperation.China is willing to work together with the Maldives to further promote China-Maldives friendly and mutually beneficial cooperation with more fruitful results to better benefit the two peoples.  

H.E. Ambassador Wang highlighted that the great achievements on joint construction of B&R between China and Maldives over the past few decades have brought transformative effects to Maldives and great benefits to the Maldivian people. China and Maldives are now embarking on a shared path of hope, prosperity and happiness. 

H.E. Minister Fayyaz Ismail delivered his remarks, stressing that since 1970s, China has been a key development partner and a close friend to Maldives and China was the top tourist market for Maldives before the COVID-19 pandemic, helping Maldives quickly moving from a least developed economy to an upper middle-income country. 

H.E. Minister Fayyaz Ismail highlighted that Chinese contractors are very important in the development of strategic infrastructure assets of the country in the recent years. Noteworthy are the China-Maldives Friendship Bridge, expansion of the Velana International Airport and the “Hiyaa” Housing Project in Hulhumale’. He expressed sincerely thanks to the Chinese government, its people and the Chinese companies present in Maldives for their generous grant support as well as in-kind support in terms of medical equipment as well as vaccines.

Representatives of the business communities from China & Maldives exchanged views and put forward proposals on how to tap the potential and further enhance the economic and trade cooperation.