Chinese Ambassador in Maldives Kong Xianhua has said that China Maldives Friendship Bridge is an engineering marvel that depicts the importance of engineers in people’s lives. In a message on social media platform X, the Ambassador said this engineering marvel of Chinese and Maldivian engineers, transformed the life of Maldivian people and the economy dramatically.

He said hence engineers build not just projects, but also people’s lives and contribute to the progress of the society, and that they deserve our most heartfelt respect. The Chinese Ambassador left the message on social media after President Mohamed Muizz declared 30 August of each year as National Engineers’ Day, to be observed across the country.

The announcement was made through a directive issued by the President’s Office on Sunday. According to the Directive, the chosen date marks the anniversary of the inauguration of the China–Maldives Friendship Bridge; the largest infrastructure project in Maldivian history.

The China–Maldives Friendship Bridge was officially inaugurated on 30 August, 2018. The Directive also states that the Ministry of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure will be responsible for organizing and overseeing all activities to commemorate National Engineers’ Day.

Work on the construction of China Maldives Friendship Bridge, which is a symbol of the long friendship between China and Maldives, was launched in 2014, and work was completed after 3 years and 11 months. The 1.39-Kilometer-long, 20.3-meter-wide bridge, has 2 lanes for four wheeled vehicles and 2 lanes for motor cycles.