Maldives can achieve progress in agriculture, energy and transport
Chinese Ambassador highlights the importance of investing in island-level skills development
Chinese Ambassador to the Maldives Kong Xinhua has said that the close and friendly relations between the Maldives and China are built on political trust, and that economic cooperation between the two countries should be expanded across all sectors on the foundation of that trust.
Speaking at the China–Maldives Investment Cooperation Forum, the Ambassador emphasised the need to take bilateral relations to new heights. He also noted that the forum could help accelerate the Maldives’ transition towards a green, blue and digital economy.
Ambassador Kong said the Sinamalé Bridge had significantly improved the quality of life for Maldivians and contributed to the country’s economic development. Building on this successful cooperation, he stressed the importance of working towards new milestones in bilateral relations.
He added that agreements already reached between the two countries, as well as those planned for the future, would create opportunities to advance the shared vision of their respective leaders.
The Ambassador said the investment forum was centred on developing “new quality productive forces”, which could drive progress in the Maldives’ green, blue and digital economies. He explained that scientific and technological innovation would be essential to modernising industries and creating new economic opportunities.
He highlighted renewable energy and artificial intelligence as areas with potential for development, noting that innovation and technology could help strengthen existing industries while supporting the growth of new sectors. He also stressed the importance of aligning these efforts with market demand and investing in skilled human resources.
“Through this, resource constraints can be transformed into innovative strengths, challenges can be turned into opportunities, and the people’s aspirations for a better life can be realised,” the Ambassador said.
Referring to China’s development across various sectors, Kong noted that the Maldives could make progress in areas such as agriculture, energy and transportation by learning from China’s experience and expanding cooperation.
Looking ahead, he said the two countries should build on their existing political trust to deepen economic cooperation in all fields. He also emphasised the need to align their development strategies, strengthen policy coordination and communication, and establish closer links among government agencies, businesses, associations and research institutions.
The Ambassador further highlighted the importance of investing in skills development at the island level and strengthening people-to-people connections between the two countries.
He said cooperation in technology and investment would serve as an important pillar in advancing Maldives–China relations and supporting the Maldives’ ambition to achieve developed-country status.
