China continues to be a major investor in Maldives' economy: FM Shahid

China continues to be a major investor in the Maldivian economy, says Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid.

The Maldivian minister made this remark during a courtesy call paid on him by the Vice Chairman of the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA) Deng Boqing as part of his ongoing visit to the Maldives.

The meeting was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday morning.

Expressing gratitude to the Vice Chairman of CIDCA as well as the government of China for their valuable contributions towards the socio-economic development of the Maldives, FM Shahid noted that China continues to be a major investor in the Maldivian economy.

As such, FM Shahid stated that China has been contributing to the growth of the Maldivian economy through the multiple projects that are ongoing across the archipelago nation, as well as being a source market for inbound tourism.

CIDCA Vice Chairman Boqing briefed FM Shahid regarding the ongoing projects of China in the Maldives as well as future avenues for cooperation, particularly through China’s Global Development Initiative (GDI).

He went on to note how the signing of key agreements between Maldives and China on Sunday, mirrored the close friendship and cooperation between both governments.

The Vice Chairman of CIDCA also expressed hope that the Maldives will seek future development opportunities through the GDI.

Speaking further, FM Shahid shed light on the significance of commencing new projects by CIDCA in the Maldives, especially the construction of four new hospitals across outlying atolls.

The new hospitals are being constructed in Dhidhdhoo island of Haa Alif atoll, Kudahuvadhoo island of Dhaalu atoll, Villingili island of Gaaf Alif atoll and Alifushi island of Raa atoll.

The Maldivian foreign minister took the opportunity to express gratitude to the CIDCA Vice Chairman for “positively” considering the projects relating to the renovation of the Maldives National Museum and the maintenance of the China-Maldives Friendship Bridge, for which Letters of Exchange were signed on Sunday.

Expressing gratitude to the government of China for its unwavering support to the Maldives in achieving its developmental objectives, FM Shahid went on to highlight that the bilateral ties between both countries will continue to strengthen in the years ahead.

The Vice Chairman of CIDCA arrived in the Maldives on an official visit on Friday. He is scheduled to conclude his visit on April 3.