Exclusive Interview with Fazeel Najeeb, Ambassador of the Maldives to China: Extending an Olive Branch of Investment Opportunities to Chinese Enterprises in the Maldives— “There is an Untapped Opportunity for Chinese Investment in Tourism Projects!”

By Wang Jing, Special Reporter, Beijing Report and Photography

In recent years, China-Maldives economic and trade relations have entered the fast lane, with in-depth cooperation across various fields. In 2023, bilateral trade between China and the Maldives reached $760 million, a substantial increase of 75.8% year-on-year, demonstrating strong growth momentum.

Recently, during the “Global National Brand Promotion” interview series organized by the China Federation of Economic Media, China Times reporter had an exclusive interview with Dr. Fazeel Najeeb, the Ambassador of the Maldives to China. Ambassador Najeeb shared insights into the new landscape of cooperation between China and the Maldives in tourism, investment, and trade.

According to data, the Maldives has been a popular destination for Chinese outbound tourism for two consecutive years. China also once again became the Maldives’ largest source of tourists in 2024. Ambassador Najeeb revealed that Chinese tourists will continue to maintain the position of the largest source country for the Maldives in 2025.

Of particular note is the official implementation of the China-Maldives Free Trade Agreement (FTA) earlier this year, which has opened a golden window for economic and trade cooperation between the two countries. According to the agreement, over 95% of goods from both sides will gradually achieve zero tariffs, with the Maldives’ high-quality and diverse seafood products entering the Chinese market.

It is also worth mentioning that Ambassador Najeeb extended an olive branch to Chinese enterprises, inviting them to invest in the local tourism industry. He highlighted the enormous potential of the Maldivian tourism market but pointed out the lack of large-scale Chinese tourism investment projects. He suggested that Chinese investors consider investing in and operating tourist resorts and other tourism projects in the Maldives. Moreover, he emphasized that as the China-Maldives Free Trade Agreement continues to deepen, new opportunities for bilateral economic and trade cooperation are emerging.

China Regains Position as the Maldives’ Largest Source of Tourists, Ambassador Invites Chinese Investment in Tourism Industry

From 2010 to 2019, Chinese tourists dominated as the Maldives’ largest source of visitors for a decade. In 2024, the Maldives welcomed 1.96 million international tourists, with 260,000 coming from China, accounting for approximately 13% of total international visitors. As a result, China has once again become the Maldives’ largest source of tourists.

Ambassador Fazeel Najeeb shared with China Economic Times that tourism, being the Maldives’ pillar industry, relies heavily on the Chinese market. He revealed, “As of the latest data from July this year, the number of Chinese tourists has reached 123,000, leading all source countries.” Ambassador Najeeb optimistically predicts that the total number of Chinese tourists will reach between 285,000 and 300,000 by the end of 2025.

In terms of air connectivity, three to four major Chinese airlines have already launched direct flights to the Maldives. Additionally, Maldivian national carrier operates four routes to Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, and Shenzhen, providing convenient travel options for exchanges between the two countries.

Of particular note, the Ambassador underscored the lack of Chinese investment in tourism resorts in the Maldives. “We have had very successful tourism in Maldives for over 50 years. And you know if you invest, you get your money back,” said Ambassador Najeeb. “China’s arrivals in the Maldives are so large, if they invest in a tourist resort in the Maldives, for example, they can very easily fill their resort throughout the year.”

Therefore, the Ambassador extended a heartfelt invitation to Chinese enterprises, especially to private sector: “We look forward to seeing Chinese enterprises, particularly those in the hotel and tourism sectors, actively consider expanding in the Maldives and explore cooperation models with local businesses.”

Regarding marketing efforts, Ambassador Najeeb praised the influence of Chinese social media, particularly the impact of young Chinese influencers. “We see a lot of Chinese young people promoting Maldives in the social media, in the new media. So I think that's something that we can continue to do so.” In May, Maldives participated in the ITB China in Shanghai, and in July, showcased its offerings at the Beijing International Tourism Expo, further boosting its visibility in China.

“However, we are more eager to see these marketing efforts translating into actual investments,” Ambassador Najeeb admitted. While Chinese construction companies are already involved in building resorts in the Maldives, he hopes to see Chinese enterprises directly operate tourism projects to further drive industrial development.

China-Maldives Free Trade Agreement Boosts Economic Cooperation, Maldives’ Pole-and-Line Fish Makes Waves in China

Located in the heart of the Indian Ocean, the Maldives is the smallest country in South Asia by land area, yet its strategic geographic position makes it a key maritime hub connecting the East and West. In recent years, China-Maldives economic and trade relations have deepened, yielding fruitful results across various sectors. In 2023, bilateral trade between the two countries reached $760 million, a significant increase of 75.8% year-on-year.

On January 1st, 2025, the China-Maldives Free Trade Agreement (FTA) officially came into effect, with over 95% of products achieving zero tariffs. As the first bilateral free trade agreement signed by the Maldives and the first comprehensive FTA between China and a South Asian country, its importance cannot be overstated.

Speaking about the China-Maldives FTA, Ambassador Fazeel Najeeb expressed his optimism for its positive impact. “This is a free trade agreement between very two unequal parties. China is the world’s second largest economies, and Maldives, one of the smallest economies in the world,” he said. “Together, we are building a new FTZ framework.”

The agreement has already shown promising results in its first six months of implementation. Ambassador Najeeb explained that the Maldives’ primary exports, such as fish and other seafood, have begun entering the Chinese market through collaboration between private enterprises from both countries. “Earlier this year, the first shipment of Maldivian fish was imported into China. This was done by a collaboration between two private sector parties,” he emphasized. “The government of the two countries has provided an environment where the private sector can trade freely. This is a clear step forward.”

Ambassador Najeeb further explained that Maldivian seafood, particularly tuna, is renowned for its “pole-and-line” fishing technique. “Our fish is not only delicious but also aligns with sustainable development principles,” he proudly stated. “Many countries use fishing methods that incidentally damage other species and it's detrimental to the environment.”

“There are also some initiatives on the Chinese side with regard to creating new brands, specialized and dedicated to Maldivian product,” he added. “For example, there is a canned tuna, a brand that has come up recently and that would use more Maldivian fish that is exported to China as raw material for canning.”

“We hope that fish exports to China will increase in the coming months and years under the FTA," he continued. “Our most traditional export market is the European market and North American market, but there are currently trade barriers in these regions. Given the existence of the China Free Trade Agreement, China is a very natural market for export of our fish products here.”

As the interview drew to a close, Ambassador Najeeb reiterated his strong desire for deeper China-Maldives cooperation. “For example, a China-Maldives joint ventures established in the Maldives where using Maldivian raw material and Chinese resources for inputs, produce and manufacture value added products for high premium markets. Such products can be exported to other countries and even back to China,” he suggested. He concluded by noting that China-Maldives cooperation goes beyond tourism and trade and could expand into areas such as services trade in the future.