A delegation from the Maldives’ ruling People's National Congress (PNC) began an eight-day visit to China on Wednesday. The visit aims to study China’s strategies for economic development and strengthen bilateral relations between the two nations.
The delegation, led by Transport and Civil Aviation Minister Mohamed Ameen, includes key ministers, MPs, and officials from the President’s Office. They were invited by the Communist Party of China (CPC), according to state-run Public Service Media (PSM News).
During their visit, the team is scheduled to meet with Liu Jianchao, China’s Minister of International Department of the CPC. The trip will involve visiting five Chinese cities, where the Maldivian delegation will engage in talks with senior CPC officials and observe local development projects.
The Maldives has seen increased engagement with China since President Mohammad Muizzu took office in November last year. Notably, Muizzu chose China for his first state visit in January, departing from the tradition of Maldivian presidents visiting India as their first international trip.
“PNC revealed that the primary objective of the trip is to seek the strategies utilised by China to achieve its current economic development, all while enhancing the bilateral ties between the two countries,” reported PSM News.
Among the delegation members are PNC Secretary General Zeenaz Adnan and Mohamed Firzul, Under Secretary for Public Policy at the Presidential Office.
China is one of the Maldives’ largest trade partners, with bilateral trade surpassing USD 700 million.
On Tuesday, it was announced that the Free Trade Agreement between the two nations will come into effect on 1st January 2025, with expectations to boost bilateral trade to USD 100 billion.
The Maldivian delegation will conclude their visit on 26th September, according to PSM News.
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