On 12 February, Chargé d'Affaires a.i. Ms. He Fen met with Mr. Patterson-Jones, the Chief Executive Officer of the Development Bank of Maldives (DBM).

Mr. Patterson-Jones introduced the establishment of DBM and its key areas of focus. He expressed appreciation for China’s strong support for infrastructure development and economic growth in developing countries, including the Maldives. He highly praised the projects undertaken by Chinese enterprises, which have significantly improved the livelihoods of the Maldivian people. He also expressed a desire to maintain close communication and cooperation with China to further enhance Maldives’ infrastructure and economic development. 

Ms. He Fen briefed Mr. Patterson-Jones on Chinese enterprises’ investments and contributions to infrastructure development in the Maldives, highlighting their positive impact on local economic and social growth. Both sides also exchanged views on the current economic situation in the Maldives. 

In November 2024, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu announced the establishment of DBM, the first development bank in the Maldives, with the goal of providing financing services for infrastructure projects and supporting long-term economic and financial development in the country.