News Desk
Kunming, Yunnan Province — Ahmed Nazim, the Deputy Speaker of the People’s Majlis, emphasized the growing potential for cooperation between the Maldives and China during an interview with CGTN. Deputy Speaker Nazim, attending the 8th China-South Asia Expo in Kunming, spoke about the opportunities for collaboration in tourism, economic development, and major infrastructure projects. He noted the crucial role that Chinese investment could play in revitalizing Maldivian resorts and expanding the nation’s tourism sector.
The expo, currently underway, has drawn more than 1,000 enterprises from South and Southeast Asia, showcasing the region’s diverse economic opportunities. Among the participants, Nazim’s insights highlighted the Maldives’ eagerness to deepen its partnership with China, leveraging the expo’s platform to attract potential investors and strengthen bilateral ties.
Nazim emphasized the importance of tourism, the Maldives’ primary industry, and expressed optimism about Chinese investors exploring opportunities to revitalize distressed resorts. “Many Maldivian resorts are currently underdeveloped due to financial constraints. There is significant potential for Chinese investment to rejuvenate these properties, bringing in new brands and resources,” he said. Additionally, Nazim mentioned the potential benefits of a pending Free Trade Agreement, which could facilitate Maldivian exports to China once ratified.
Discussing the impact of existing projects, Nazim praised China’s contributions to the Maldives, including the development of the China Maldives Friendship Bridge and improvements to the capital city, Malé.
“These projects have significantly improved the quality of life in Malé, making it more livable and accessible,” Hon. Nazim noted. He expressed the Maldivian people’s gratitude for China’s tangible support and looked forward to further collaborations.
As tourism remains a key area of focus, Nazim noted the growing number of Chinese tourists visiting the Maldives, with China now being the top source of tourists to the island nation. He also highlighted the potential for expanding tourism cooperation, suggesting that the resumption of direct flights by the national airline, Maldivian, could further boost visitor numbers. “There is ample opportunity to introduce new activities, such as sports fishing, to attract Chinese tourists,” Nazim added.
The China-South Asia Expo continues until Sunday, providing a platform for countries in the region to explore avenues for economic and trade collaboration.
