Maldives seeks Chinese investments for VIA project

Maldivian President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has asked for assistance from Chinese investors for the multi-million-dollar project to develop the Velana International Airport (VIA) – part of a 20-year plan to transform the Maldivian economy.

He made the appeal in his address at the Invest Maldives Forum at the Fuzhou Strait International Convention and Exhibition Centre in Fuzhou, China, on Tuesday morning.

In his address, President Muizzu described the VIA development project and the project to develop a commercial port in Thilafushi as key strategic initiatives of his administration.

He noted that the projects also align with China Belt and Road Initiative’s vision for land, ocean, air and digital connectivity.

“The government is keen to explore partnerships for these projects under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative,” he said.

President Muizzu said that the fact that the first international business event his administration is participating is in is taking place in China, reflects the long-standing and fruitful government-to-government and business-to-business cooperation between the two countries.

“I am delighted to witness the strong presence of both Chinese and Maldivian businesses here today. This shows that the close political ties both our countries enjoy are replicated at the commercial level as well,” he said.

President Muizzu said that Chinese President Xi Jinping’s Belt and Road Initiative – which Maldives became a party to in 2014 - has delivered the most significant infrastructure projects witnessed in Maldivian history.

He noted that the ties between Maldives and China is one that has a long history, dating back to the ancient Maritime Silk Road.

“Having established diplomatic relations in 1972, China remains one of our closest allies and developmental partner,” he said.

President Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed are currently undertaking a state visit to China at the invitation of President Jinping. A high-level delegation is accompanying the President and the First Lady on this visit.