21 June 2015; Ambassador Faisal invited Chinese investors to partner with Maldives in writing the next chapter of the Maldives Story. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Silk Road Economic Belt Cities International Forum held in Yiwu, Ambassador Faisal noted that as an initiative coming out of a region with the most number of people, the One Belt One Road Initiative has the potential to harness the human and financial capital of the region to bring about measurable and positive change in the lives of billions of people.
In his speech, the Ambassador also highlighted Maldives historic place in the old spice route and its links with ancient China. The Ambassador also focused on the economic reforms of President Abdulla Yameen, aimed at ushering in a new era of progress and prosperity for the Maldives people. Ambassador Faisal noted that the Maldives wholeheartedly embraces the One Belt One Road initiative and other initiatives led by China such as the Asian Infrastructure Development Bank as Maldives believe these will usher in a new spring of development for Asia and contribute to the realization of the Asian Dream.
Ambassador Faisal also participated in a panel discussion organized as part of the Forum on the theme of Upgraded Trade and Investment: Shared Vision and Coordinated Actions. In the session, the Ambassador gave specific details of investment opportunities in the Maldives, and highlighted the role of private businesses and investors in carrying forward and developing the One Belt One Road initiative.
The Silk Road Economic Belt Cities International Forum was jointly organized by the Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies of the Renmin University of China and the Municipal People’s Government of Yiwu. Former President of Slovenia H.E. Danilo Turk and former Prime Minister of Spain, H.E. Jose Luis Rodriquez Zapatero were among the dignitaries attending the forum.
ENDS