President Says Maldives Open to Responsible Investment as China Trade Tops USD 440 Million
President Muizzu giving his remarks at the China-Maldives Investment Cooperation Forum.
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has said the Maldives is open to responsible investment and committed to helping investments succeed, as he called on Chinese businesses to explore opportunities in the country and partner with local enterprises.
Speaking at the China-Maldives Investment Cooperation Forum today, held alongside Maldives Expo 2026, Muizzu said the country’s development plans required economic diversification, innovation and partnerships with investors.
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The President said the Maldives imported approximately USD 440 million worth of goods from China between January 2025 and August 2026. Of this, around USD 124 million entered under the China-Maldives Free Trade Agreement, which came into force on 1 January 2025.
Maldives is open to responsible investment, and committed to making that investment succeed: President https://t.co/ND0th3LJTX https://t.co/Nrh3InZQdX— The President’s Office (@presidencymv) October 28, 2026
Muizzu said the two countries should look beyond trade volumes and focus on creating greater economic value and ensuring cooperation benefits communities across the Maldives. He identified premium fisheries products, local craftsmanship and services as areas with potential in the Chinese market, encouraging Chinese businesses to work with Maldivian companies on processing, supply chains, distribution and market access.
The President said the Maldives’ Vision 2040 aims to make the country fully developed by 2040. He highlighted the new Foreign Investment Act, which replaced legislation governing foreign investment for more than four decades, as a measure intended to improve transparency, policy certainty and investor confidence.
He identified renewable energy, food security, logistics, fisheries processing, digital technology, artificial intelligence, healthcare, financial services, smart infrastructure and sustainable urban development as potential areas for investment.
Muizzu said the Maldives sought investment not only for the capital it brings, but also for the industries, skills, jobs and opportunities it creates for Maldivians.
The forum was attended by Chinese Ambassador to the Maldives Kong Xianhua, Minister of Economic Development, Transport and Trade Mohamed Saeed, Cabinet ministers and senior government officials.
