The government has started work to bring a Chinese bank to the Maldives.

Speaking on a TV program on President Dr Mohamed Muizzu's economic agenda, Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer said the government is working to sign an agreement to bring a Chinese bank to the Maldives.

"In the discussions this time, a Chinese bank has expressed interest in opening a branch in the Maldives," he said.

Minister Zameer said the Maldivian Ambassador to China is visiting the province where the bank is located to arrange the operation of the bank in the Maldives. However, he did not say which bank it was.

The minister said the establishment of a development bank in the Maldives would increase investments in the country.

Minister Zameer added that during his visit to China, discussions were also held to increase flights from that country to the Maldives. The government is working to increase direct flights from China to the Maldives, he said, adding that the discussions were held during President Muizzu's visit to China.