The Maldivian government denied reports today claiming that the relocation project of the Malé Commercial Harbor to Thilafushi was awarded to a Chinese company by sidelining India and prioritizing a specific party.
Earlier this year, the government launched a major project to relocate the Malé Commercial Port to Thilafushi, awarding the development of international and domestic quay walls to China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC).
In response, Indian media reports criticized the move, claiming that President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu had called the India-assisted Thilamale Bridge in the Maldives a symbol of the close relations between the two countries, while simultaneously awarding the Thilafushi port project to a Chinese company. Indian newspapers also reported that this indicates the Maldivian government is prioritizing China.
Denying these claims, a statement issued by the Maldivian Ministry of Economic Development stated that the Thilafushi port project was awarded to the Chinese company in accordance with the Maldivian government's established procedures for infrastructure projects and the laws of the Maldives.
The statement also noted that this decision was not made due to any change in relations or perspectives between the Maldives and other countries.
The Ministry further stated that the development, ownership, and management authority of the port will remain under the control of the Maldivian government.
"There will be no compromise to the sovereignty of the Maldives. The government's 'Maldives First' foreign policy is to prioritize the national interest of the Maldives and maintain constructive relations with all international partners," the Ministry of Economic Development stated in its statement in English.
Former President Abdulla Yameen and other senior figures from his PNF party have previously accused the government of attempting to hand over the port to foreign parties.
According to MPL, the main objective of this project, undertaken to find a permanent solution to the congestion issues at the Malé Commercial Harbor, is to expand port facilities in line with the growth of the Maldives' maritime and logistics sector, and to expedite cargo handling systems.
The project is targeted for completion by November 11, 2027.
Upon full completion of the project, the Thilafushi port will feature an international quay wall exceeding 1,000 meters in length, alongside a domestic terminal with a quay wall exceeding 2,000 meters dedicated to vessels utilizing Malé's North Harbour and South West Harbour.
President Muizzu announced in his presidential address delivered to the Parliament last February that the Malé Commercial harbor will be relocated to Thilafushi on November 11 of next year.
Discussions to relocate the commercial harbor to Thilafushi took place seven years ago as well. While all previous governments have considered moving the commercial harbor to Thilafushi, it has not been successfully implemented until now.
