President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has said the Maldives is open to responsible investment and committed to ensuring that investments succeed, as the government seeks to diversify the economy and achieve its development goals.
Speaking at the opening of the China-Maldives Investment Cooperation Forum, President Muizzu said the Maldives Vision 2040 strategy sets the goal of transforming the country into a fully developed nation by 2040.
Achieving that ambition would require economic diversification, faster innovation and stronger ties with trusted investors, he said.
“Our message is very clear. Maldives is ready to welcome responsible investments. And we are fully prepared to make those investments a success,” the President said.
President Muizzu said the government had introduced a new Foreign Investment Act to improve transparency, provide greater policy certainty and strengthen investor confidence. He added that investment decisions would be guided by trust and sustainability.
The President identified renewable energy, food security, logistics, modern fish processing, digital technology, artificial intelligence, healthcare, financial services, smart infrastructure and sustainability as key areas for development.
He said China's experience in infrastructure development, technology and industrial innovation made it an important partner for the Maldives in these sectors.
President Muizzu also highlighted the Maldives-China Free Trade Agreement, which came into force on 1 January 2025, describing it as a significant milestone in economic relations between the two countries.
The agreement has created opportunities for Maldivian businesses to access the Chinese market, he said, adding that trade between the two countries had shown promising early results.
“From January 2025 to August 2026, Maldives imported about USD440 million worth of goods from China,” President Muizzu said.
He said the focus should extend beyond increasing trade volumes to strengthening economic ties and ensuring that the benefits of cooperation reach people across the country.
The President pointed to opportunities for Maldivian fish products, handicrafts and services in the Chinese market, and invited Chinese businesses to partner with local companies in fish processing, supply chains, distribution and market access.
“We want Maldivian businesses to be not only participants in international trade, but also competitors and winners in that trade. China will be an important partner in this journey,” he said.
President Muizzu also highlighted the growing use of Chinese digital payment platforms in the Maldives. More than 73,000 transactions were made through Alipay and WeChat Pay between January and September this year, with a combined value of about USD11 million, he said.
China remains the Maldives’ largest source market for tourists, the president added, noting that digital platforms such as Alibaba are also creating new opportunities for Maldivian suppliers to reach customers in China and other markets.
