Maldives and China have held discussions aimed at expanding fish exports and enhancing broader trade cooperation between the two countries.
The talks took place during a meeting between Minister of Economic Development, Transport and Trade Mohamed Saeed and a visiting Chinese delegation led by Vice Governor of Sichuan Province Ren Jingong, along with the Chinese Ambassador to the Maldives.
Discussions focused on exporting Maldivian fish and fish products to China’s Sichuan Province, while also covering a wider range of trade and investment opportunities. Both sides explored ways to strengthen cooperation in fisheries, agriculture, and other industrial sectors.
Following the meeting, Minister Saeed said in a post on X that the discussions centered on enhancing bilateral trade and investment through effective use of the Maldives–China Free Trade Agreement. He added that both parties also discussed improving food security and promoting exports.
The minister welcomed the Chinese delegation and noted China’s readiness to support the Maldives’ development priorities under President Mohamed Muizzu. He further highlighted the importance of strengthening economic cooperation in line with understandings reached during the 2024 state visit to Beijing, expressing hope for tangible outcomes that would promote shared prosperity.
Chinese Ambassador to the Maldives, Kong Xianhua, also stated that both sides exchanged views on fully utilising the Free Trade Agreement and expanding exports of Maldivian fish products to Sichuan Province. He added that discussions included encouraging companies from Sichuan to invest in the Maldives, expressing confidence that the outcomes would benefit both countries.
The Maldives–China Free Trade Agreement came into effect on January 1 last year. According to the Ministry of Economic Development, Transport and Trade, the agreement is expected to provide significant benefits to Maldivian businesses, exporters, and the wider public.
Under the agreement, Maldivian businesses have been importing goods from China, while exports to China continue to grow.
The meeting served as an opportunity to deepen bilateral ties and advance cooperation in trade and investment, in line with the shared vision of both countries.
