Exclusive: The BRI Brings Many Growth Opportunities: Maldives' Deputy Minister

By Harry Wu, 21st Century Business Herald, SFC

“The Maldives truly values its close friendship with China,” said Ahmed Aarim Mohamed, Maldives' Deputy Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources.

“Projects such as the China–Maldives Friendship Bridge and the expansion of Velana International Airport have tangibly improved the daily lives of the people. They are not only infrastructure but also symbols of friendship and pragmatic cooperation between the two countries.”

He expressed his high expectations for deeper cooperation between China and the Maldives under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), particularly in areas such as infrastructure, sustainable development, digital connectivity, and tourism. “The Belt and Road Initiative brings many growth opportunities.”

Despite being separated by thousands of miles, China and the Maldives have always moved forward hand in hand. From the ancient sails of the Maritime Silk Road to the modern voyage of the Belt and Road Initiative, the two countries, with a spirit of mutual benefit and win-win cooperation, have jointly painted a picture of cooperation that transcends mountains and seas.

SFC: The Maldives was among the earliest to respond to and benefit from the Belt and Road Initiative. China–Maldives Friendship Bridgeended Maldives’history of having no bridges, and the expansion of Velana International Airport has given fresh wings to the tourism industry. What's your opinion on the close cooperation between China and the Maldives?

Ahmed Aarim Mohamed: The Maldives really values its close partnership with China. Projects like the China–Maldives Friendship Bridge and the Velana Airport expansion have made a real difference in people’s daily lives. They’re not just infrastructure—they’re symbols of the friendship and practical cooperation between our countries.

SFC: What expectations do you have for the future cooperation between China and Maldives under the Belt and Road Initiative?

Ahmed Aarim Mohamed: We’re excited about even deeper collaboration under the BRI, especially in areas like infrastructure, sustainable development, digital connectivity, and tourism. The BRI brings a lot of opportunities for growth, and we hope to work closely with China to unlock more long-term benefits for our people.

SFC: China has remained the leading source of foreign tourists to the Maldives, with more and more Chinese visitors coming to enjoy its island beauty. How will Maldives better develop its Marine economy and attract more Chinese tourists in the future?

Ahmed Aarim Mohamed: China has always been a key tourism partner for us. We want to strengthen our marine economy through better marine protection, high-quality tourism services, and new experiences that cater specifically to Chinese visitors. The goal is to make Chinese tourists feel even more welcome, connected, and at home here in the Maldives.

SFC: On January 1st, 2025, the China–Maldives Free Trade Agreement(FTA) officially entered into force. What benefits have you seen so far?

Ahmed Aarim Mohamed: The FTA has already helped make trade smoother, reduced barriers, and opened up new opportunities for Maldivian businesses. It gives both sides more economic confidence and supports stronger, long-term commercial partnerships.

SFC: How can China and Maldivesadapt and mitigate climate impacts that threaten marine economy?

Ahmed Aarim Mohamed: For both China and the Maldives, adapting to climate impacts on the marine economy means focusing on two things: protecting ecosystems and strengthening resilience. We need to restore corals, mangroves and seagrass that naturally safeguard coasts and sustain fisheries, while also investing in climate-smart infrastructure that can withstand rising seas and stronger storms. At the same time, cooperation on science, technology and financing — from early-warning systems to sustainable fisheries and low-carbon tourism — helps both our countries secure a resilient and productive ocean economy.”

SFC: How will the bilateral agreements signed earlierfurther bolster blue economy cooperationbetween China and Maldives?

Ahmed Aarim Mohamed: The agreements we’ve signed before set a strong foundation for working together in fisheries, marine research, environmental protection, and sustainable ocean development. They’ll allow us to expand joint projects, attract more investment, and build a shared vision for a prosperous and sustainable blue economy.