President Mohamed Muizzu has sought the help of China for the Velana International Airport (VIA) and Commercial Port Project.

Speaking at the Invest Maldives 2024 forum organized by the Ministry of Economic Affairs in China to attract Chinese investors to the Maldives, the President highlighted the opportunities for investment in Maldives.

The President said the second phase of the development of the Velana International Airport, which he recently inaugurated, is a project in line with China’s BRI Vision. The "Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)" is an initiative launched by China in 2013 to invest in various countries.

The President said the government is interested in implementing the projects under the BRI.

The second phase of the Velana International Airport (VIA) is being developed under a master plan for the Maldivian air transport industry for the next 20 years. The project will have the capacity to serve 25 million passengers annually, the Maldives Airports Company (MACL) said at the inauguration ceremony.

The President had earlier said that the commercial port currently under construction in Gulhifalhu would be relocated to Thilafushi. The President said this while saying that Gulhifalhu is not a suitable place for such a port.