The Chinese Ambassador to the Maldives, Kong Xianhua, has emphasised the growing cooperation between the two countries in human resource development during a reception held for participants of the China-Maldives Human Resources Training Programme.
Ambassador Kong noted that China has trained over 400,000 professionals from more than 180 countries across the past 70 years, covering fields such as management, science and technology, agriculture, education, healthcare, and climate change. Since 2025, a total of 287 Maldivians have taken part in training programmes in China or the Maldives — a 34 per cent increase compared to 2024. Participants have received training in areas including economic development, agricultural technology, new energy, education management, and sports.
He highlighted that talent development is central to national growth and said that the training initiatives act as a bridge for knowledge sharing and people-to-people connectivity. The ambassador added that the programmes come with no political conditions and are intended solely to support Maldivian professional development while strengthening bilateral ties.
During President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s visit to China in early 2024, both governments agreed to train 1,000 Maldivian civil servants over a five-year period. Ambassador Kong encouraged participants to apply their new skills to contribute to the Maldives’ economic and social progress and to serve as “civilian diplomats” promoting friendship between the two nations.
He further announced that applications for the 2026–2027 Chinese Government Scholarship are now open, offering Maldivian students opportunities for higher education in China, with a deadline of February 10, 2026.
The ambassador concluded by expressing hope for continued cooperation and enduring friendship between China and the Maldives.