Chinese Ambassador Urges Maldivian Businesses to Strengthen Ties with China Amid Growing Market Opportunities

China’s Ambassador to the Maldives, Kong Xianhua, has highlighted the significant opportunities for Maldivian businesses in the Chinese market, citing the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the two nations as a key facilitator. Speaking on Sun’s Diplomatic Focus programme, the Ambassador emphasized that China's population of 1.4 billion offers one of the world’s largest consumer markets. He projected that by 2035, China’s per-capita income could reach USD 20,000 to USD 30,000, making it the largest consumption market globally. This presents immense potential for Maldivian businesses, particularly in fisheries and tourism services. According to Chinese customs statistics, Maldivian imports to China doubled year-on-year in the first three quarters of 2025, with fish products accounting for 25% of that trade. The Ambassador encouraged Maldivian producers to expand fisheries exports, emphasizing the need for greater awareness of Maldivian fish products in China. He also noted China’s role as the Maldives’ top tourism market since 2010 and stressed the importance of introducing high-end services to meet the expectations of Chinese tourists. The Ambassador urged Maldivian businessmen to maintain close ties with Chinese companies to fully capitalize on the opportunities created by the FTA.