A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed to redevelop Kadhdhoo Airport as an international airport.

The agreement was signed on Thursday as part of a recent trip President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu conducted to several islands of Laamu atoll. The MoU was signed at a ceremony held in Fonadhoo.

The ceremony also saw the initiation of land reclamation and coastal protection efforts to support the development of the Kadhdhoo Airport.

Further, a contract was awarded for the Laamu Maritime Hub Development, which was also inaugurated at the ceremony.

The MoU was signed between the government of Maldives and China CAMC Engineering Co. Ltd.

Minister for Construction and Infrastructure Dr. Abdulla Muththalib signed the contract on behalf of the Maldivian government and General Manager of China CAMC Engineering Co. Ltd Li Weiwei signed on behalf of the company.

The project to redevelop Kadhdhoo Domestic Airport into an international airport entails the construction of a runway measuring 2.45 kilometers with a terminal capable of handling 300 passengers during peak hours.

The reclamation and coastal protection work entail the reclamation of 56.60 hectares of land and 4,433 meters of revetment.

The Laamu Integrated Maritime Hub was awarded to China CAMC Engineering Co. Ltd.

Chief Executive Officer of Maldives Ports Limited Mohamed Wajeeh Ibrahim signed on behalf of the Maldivian government and Weiwei signed on behalf of China CAMC Engineering Co. Ltd.

The project entails managing the Gaadhoo Conservation Project, establishing a cruise terminal and super yacht marina, providing off-shore bunkering services as well as establishing an eco-resort.