President tells China-Maldives Investment Cooperation Forum that over a quarter of Maldivian imports from China came in under the free trade pact

28 October 2026

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu told the China-Maldives Investment Cooperation Forum that his country is open to responsible investment and will work to make such investment succeed. The forum was held alongside Maldives Expo 2026. He said the long maritime trade and movement of people between the two countries has now grown into what the two call a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership. Turning to the China-Maldives Free Trade Agreement, which took effect on 1 January 2025, the President said it gives Maldivian firms a stronger footing in one of the world's biggest markets. He put the value of goods the Maldives imported from China between January 2025 and August 2026 at about USD 440 million, of which roughly USD 124 million, more than a quarter, came in under the Agreement. He argued that the goal should go beyond trade volumes to building value and firmer commercial ties. He invited Chinese companies to work with Maldivian businesses on processing, supply chains and market access, pointing to premium fisheries products, local craft and services.