Chinese Ambassador to the Maldives, Kong Xianhua has stated that the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the Maldives and China has facilitated the introduction of Chinese technologies and investment in the Maldives.
The Ambassador made the remarks while speaking at the From Maldives to Global Markets workshop, organised by the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade in collaboration with Alibaba, the world’s largest e-commerce platform.
Ambassador Xianhua said the FTA has created opportunities not only in the field of trade, but also in investment, technology and business management. He noted that the agreement will support progress in several areas, including the development of mariculture, fisheries production, renewable energy, the digital economy and agriculture.
The Ambassador further highlighted that the forum provided valuable knowledge to Maldivian businesses through Alibaba. He said the training sessions would enable local businesses to expand to the international market.
More than 600 people attended the From Maldives to Global Markets Forum, where top executives from Alibaba facilitated the sessions. Information on how to open seller accounts, advertise and sell local products on the platform, and identify emerging market trends using the platform’s artificial intelligence tools were provided. This will enable local businesses to sell goods and provide services online through the Alibaba website, the Economic Ministry said.