Economic Ministry refutes allegations that a specific country has been given preferential treatment in project to develop Thilafushi Commercial Port
10 ސެޕްޓެމްބަރު 2026 | ބުރާސްފަތި 08:18The Ministry of Economic Development has announced that the Thilafushi Port project is being implemented in accordance with Maldivian laws and strategic interests, without discrimination toward any specific country. The Ministry further clarified that the government will retain full ownership and operational control of the port, emphasizing that international partnerships are being pursued in a manner that ensures national sovereignty remains uncompromised.
Thilafushi Local Container Depot: Commercial port development underway across 10 hectares. | MPL
The Ministry of Economic Development, Transport and Trade has refuted media reports alleging that a specific country or partner was given preferential treatment in the development of the new international port project in Thilafushi.
In a press release issued Wednesday, the Ministry of Economic Development stated that the project was awarded in accordance with Maldivian laws and regulations, following the established procedures for implementing major infrastructure development projects.
The Ministry clarified that this decision was made solely in consideration of the Maldives' long-term strategic development interests. The statement further emphasized that the move does not reflect a shift in relations with any of the country's international partners, nor is it intended to discriminate against any specific party.
The Ministry of Economic Development has stated that the development, ownership, and management of the Thilafushi port will remain entirely under the control of the Maldivian government. The Ministry further clarified that it will not permit any actions that could compromise the nation's sovereignty, emphasizing that no foreign entity shall have the authority to influence decisions regarding the country's infrastructure development.
Regarding the project, Minister of Economic Development and Trade Mohamed Saeed stated that the Thilafushi port is a vital initiative aimed at the welfare of the Maldivian people and the overall progress of the nation. Minister Saeed emphasized that the project was awarded in accordance with the government's robust procedures and clarified that this decision would not impact the Maldives' relationships with its international partners.
The Ministry stated that under the government’s "Maldives First" policy, it will maintain constructive relations with all international partners. The Ministry of Economic Development and Trade further emphasized in its statement that the highest priority in all such engagements will be the protection of the Maldives' independence and national interests.
Under the current administration's policy to relocate the Male' Commercial Harbor to Thilafushi, the design and survey work for the first phase of the development project was awarded to China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) last February.
Furthermore, a senior official from the U.S. government has revealed that the United States will participate in the project to relocate the Male’ Commercial Port to Thilafushi. The U.S. government has already reviewed the initial phase of the project.
