Maldives and China have signed on joint collaboration efforts to enhance the security and safety of the tourism sector. The agreement was signed by the Secretary General of Maldives Association of Tourism Industries (MATI) Ahmed Nazeer and Secretary General of China Association of Travel Services Sun Guizan. The agreement was signed at the Forum on China Maldives Tourism Cooperation held to explore ways of having support for both nations in the area of tourism and Investment opportunities.
Under the agreement signed, joint efforts will be exerted to develop tourism in Maldives, discussions will be held to explore projects which can be conducted by two countries and discussions will also be held on exploring training opportunities. Moreover, the agreement will focus on enhancing the safety and security of tourists travelling to Maldives and to minimise such cases.
Speaking to PSM News, Secretary General of MATI Ahmed Nazeer stated the agreement is a crucial step forward in sustaining Chinese market in Maldives. Noting that Chinese market is among the top tourist arrivals of Maldives, Ahmed Nazeer revealed important information regarding Maldivian tourism will be disseminated as agreed.
Meanwhile, Forum on China Maldives Tourism Cooperation held in collaboration with Ministry of Tourism, Chinese Ministry of Culture and Tourism and Chinese Embassy in Maldives will focus on crucial indications of foreign investors to Maldives.
The forum held in Kurumba Maldives is attended by tourism sector stakeholders of both countries. Addressing the function held to inaugurate the forum, Minister of Tourism Moosa Zameer spoke highly on the relationship between Maldives and China in terms of tourism and investments among others sectors.
Furthermore, the tourism minister stated China is a partner of almost all developmental projects conducted in Maldives, highlighting the mega infrastructure China-Maldives Friendship Bridge, expansion of Velana International Airport and the largest social housing project ever to be conducted in Maldives.
Minister Zameer revealed discussions are now underway with other airlines to ease the transportation of tourists arriving to Maldives. In this regard, Minister Zameer further revealed discussions have been held with an aviation company of China to commence direct flights to Maldives.
Meanwhile, Ambassador of China to Maldives Zhang Lizhong described China Maldives Friendship Bridge as the momentum of a strong relationship between both countries, adding the largest infrastructure to be constructed in Maldives will be inaugurated this year.
During his address at the opening ceremony, Zhang Lizhong updated the attendees on the progress of the main projects carried out by China in Maldives. The Chinese delegation comprises of 100 high level dignitaries from related sectors, who are joined by 60 dignitaries Maldives are attending the forum.