In a notable diplomatic move, the President of the Maldives is urging China to enhance its tourism contribution to the island nation, as tensions persist in its relationship with India. Against the backdrop of an ongoing dispute, the Maldives is seeking to fortify its economic ties with China by emphasizing the importance of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the two nations.
“The FTA’s primary objective is to stimulate bilateral trade and investments, with a particular focus on augmenting our exports of fish products to China—a strategic priority for our nation within the framework of the FTA,” stated the Maldives President.
As the diplomatic row with India continues, the Maldives is strategically pivoting towards strengthening economic collaborations with China. The President’s call for an increase in Chinese tourists is seen as a proactive measure to boost the country’s tourism sector and, in turn, enhance economic resilience amid geopolitical challenges.
The emphasis on the FTA underscores the Maldives’ commitment to fostering economic partnerships that go beyond traditional diplomatic relations. As the island nation navigates through the complexities of its foreign policy, aligning with China economically emerges as a pivotal aspect, with tourism serving as a crucial component of this strategic endeavor.
