On 9th December 2014, the Chinese Ambassador to Maldives H.E. Mr. Wang Fukang and the President of Maldives H.E. Mr. Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom jointly laid the foundation stone for the second phase of housing project under Chinese soft loan. The ceremony was attended by all the Cabinet Ministers of the Maldives, as well as the President of China Machinery Engineering Corporation , which is undertaking the construction project, Mr. Zhang Chun.
The president H.E. Mr. Yameen addressed the ceremony, Firstly he congratulated for the commencement of the project, and spoke highly of the first phase of the housing project. He expressed that the housing project is one of the measures benefiting the people, as well as is of great significance for improving the people’s current living conditions. The President believes that this project would not only bring economic benefits, but also lead to great social benefits. On behalf of the government and people of Maldives, the President expressed gratitude to the Chinese government and the people. Mr. Yameen emphasized that he is happy to see increasingly vigorous trade dealings between China and Maldives in recent years, in addition to housing project, Chinese companies are also actively involving in highway, bridge, airport and other construction projects, he welcome more Chinese companies to invest in the Maldives. He finally expressed heartfelt gratitude for the Chinese government travelling long distances to rescue Male’ from the water crisis, stating that this not only represents the close relations between the two countries, but also the strong friendship between the people of both countries.
In his address Ambassador Wang expressed that the housing project is of great importance to the government and people of the Maldives, and that China is assisting in housing projects to help resolve the practical difficulties faced by the Maldives. In September President H.E. Mr. Xi Jinping and President H.E. Mr. Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom jointly unveiled the project, fully demonstrating the great significance of this project. Ambassador Wang stated that since the male water crisis began, China has been eager to meet the needs of Maldives, practically taking measures to provide fresh water to the people of Maldives. China hopes to make the citizens of Maldives happier, and life more convenient through measures such as these, sharing the Chinese dream of the government and people of China with the Maldives, realizing mutually beneficial between two countries ,facilitating the people of both countries to advance together.
President Zhang Chun expressed that the second phase of housing project include 1500 flats divided among 9 islands, and that the company would continue to have close cooperation with the Maldives, respecting the agreements, ensuring quality, striving to make them excellent projects, benefitting the people of Maldives, contributing to strengthen bilateral friendship.
At the ceremony , President Yameen and Ambassador Wang jointly lays the foundation for the second phase of housing project.
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The Chinese assistance is provided as a soft loan for carrying out the housing project, and the first phase of the housing project of 1000 flats located in Hulhumale’ have already been completed and delivered at the end of 2012, and are being occupied by the residents. The second phase of the project include 1500 flats located in 9 islands including Hulhumale’ and some southern islands, which are expected to be completed within two years.