China’s Ambassador to the Maldives, Kong Xianhua, has said the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the Maldives and China has opened significant opportunities for Maldivian businesses in the Chinese market.
Speaking on Sun’s Diplomatic Focus programme, the Ambassador noted that China’s population of 1.4 billion creates one of the world’s largest consumer markets. He added that China aims to raise its per‑capita income to between USD 20,000 and USD 30,000 by 2035, which would make it the world’s largest consumption market within the next decade.
He said this presents major opportunities for Maldivian businesses, particularly in fisheries and tourism services.
“According to Chinese customs statistics, in the first three quarters of 2025, Chinese imports from the Maldives doubled year‑on‑year, with fish products accounting for a quarter of that. I believe that is only the start,” he said.
The Ambassador encouraged Maldivian producers to expand fisheries exports to China, saying greater awareness of Maldivian fish products would help create demand in the Chinese market.
“I will not be surprised if, within the next few years, China becomes the largest importer of Maldivian fishery products,” he said.
Chinese Ambassador to the Maldives Kong Xianhua (L) at Sun's Diplomatic Focus series, episode 4, publicized on December 29, 2025. (Sun Photo)
At present, the Maldives mainly exports frozen fish to China. The Ambassador noted that frozen fish fetches a lower price compared to processed, value‑added products.
Turning to tourism, he said China has been the Maldives’ number‑one tourism market since 2010, despite the temporary disruption caused by the COVID‑19 pandemic. He said promotional activities in China will be strengthened and cooperation with Chinese travel agencies will be expanded. He also highlighted the importance of introducing new high‑end services in the Maldives to meet the expectations of Chinese tourists.
The Ambassador urged Maldivian businessmen to maintain close ties with Chinese companies, saying stronger business‑to‑business relationships would help both sides take full advantage of the opportunities created by the FTA.