Maldives and China Must Strengthen Private Sector Ties to Boost Trade

Maldivian Ambassador to China, Dr. Fazeel Najeeb, has called for a strategic expansion of ties between the private sectors of the Maldives and China to unlock mutual economic benefits. While government-to-government relations remain robust, Ambassador Najeeb emphasized that fostering closer commercial integration is now a priority. Speaking with PSM News during the Asia-Pacific Media Forum in China, the diplomat asserted that advancing cross-border commerce is the most urgent step toward strengthening bilateral ties in the truest sense. According to the Ambassador, the focus of this integration should center on trade and investment. He identified education, technology, and artificial intelligence as key sectors for collaboration. He specifically urged Maldivian and Chinese commercial entities to capitalize on the existing bilateral free trade agreement, which allows for the import of Chinese goods at more affordable rates, leveraging China's position as a global manufacturing hub. During the forum, Ambassador Najeeb also participated in a panel discussing artificial intelligence as a driver for development. He noted that while developing states like the Maldives are adopting modern technologies, there is a critical shortage of underlying technical expertise. He underscored the necessity of partnering with China to bridge this knowledge gap and acquire the capabilities needed to sustain technological growth. By shifting the focus toward private-sector synergy, the Ambassador believes the Maldives can move beyond diplomatic cooperation and achieve a more sustainable, trade-driven partnership that directly impacts the economy and technological infrastructure of the archipelago.