The Maldives has signed an agreement with a Chinese company to import a large volume of heavy machinery, as the government moves to accelerate infrastructure development across the country.
Delivering the Presidential Statement, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu said equipment is expected to arrive in the Maldives before the end of April, strengthening the government’s capacity to deliver major construction projects and reduce reliance on costly hired machinery.
Most of the equipment will be imported by the Road Development Corporation (RDC) under an agreement involving China’s XCMG and Infrastructure Development Solution (IDS).
The agreement was signed by Managing Director of RDC, Ibrahim Nazeem and General Manager for the South Asia region, Tu Hui. Senior officials from both sides attended the signing ceremony.
In the Presidential Statement, President Mohamed Muizzu said the initiative is part of a broader effort to speed up road construction projects and address the high costs associated with hiring machinery and specialised equipment.
“All required modern machinery and equipment will be delivered to the Road Development Corporation before the end of April,” the President said.
He added that one full set of machinery would be mobilised to the Gulhifalhu and later Giraavarufalhu, with relevant ministries and state-owned companies working jointly to begin water, sewerage, electricity and road construction projects.
The President also noted that design work for a Chinese government-supported road redevelopment project is scheduled to begin early this year, with construction expected to commence later in 2026.
Under the business cooperation agreement, a total of 230 machines including asphalt-laying equipment will be imported. The agreement also includes provisions to establish a machinery repair service centre and a spare parts sales facility in the Maldives.
The government said the project would help accelerate development nationwide and provide a long-term solution to operational challenges faced by infrastructure agencies.
Several projects are currently under way across the country, including the expansion of utility networks, road construction, excavation works and the development of buildings aimed at improving service delivery in key sectors.