The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced plans to convene a ministerial-level forum with China next year, aimed at strengthening tourism cooperation and expanding bilateral investment.
The announcement was made during the seventh session of the Joint Meeting Mechanism on the Safety of Chinese Tourists in the Maldives. The meeting was co-chaired by State Minister for Foreign Affairs Sheryna Abdul Samad, Chinese Ambassador to the Maldives Kong Xianhua, and State Minister for Tourism and Environment Dr Abdulla Niyaz.
Speaking at the meeting, State Minister Abdul Samad highlighted the significance of the Chinese tourism market, noting that arrivals have reached 320,000 this year, making it a key pillar of bilateral relations. She said the planned forum, to be organised in collaboration with the Chinese Embassy, will focus on enhancing visitor safety while also strengthening destination marketing and expanding investment opportunities.
Officials at the meeting stressed the importance of coordinated enforcement of regulations and the need to strengthen safety standards, particularly in water sports operations. State Minister Abdul Samad urged all stakeholders to prioritise regulatory compliance, safety awareness and comprehensive insurance coverage, describing these measures as vital to maintaining the confidence of Chinese travellers.