Development

Economic Min inaugurates project to develop seaplane terminal

Minister of Economic Development Mohamed Saeed has inaugurated the project to develop the new seaplane terminal at Velana International Airport (VIA). Managing Director of Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) Adil Moosa, General Manager of Beijing Urban Construction Group (BUCG) Li Daosong and Ambassador of China to Maldives Zheng Liz Hong also joined the Maldivian Economic Minister to inaugurate the project.

Addressing the ceremony held to inaugurate the new seaplane terminal, Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed said VIA is an important asset in the development of Maldives as it is the main gate way to the country. Minister Saeed described the development of the new seaplane terminal as an important step towards further enhancing the tourism industry.

Addressing the ceremony, Managing Director of MACL Adil Moosa revealed the new seaplane terminal would be developed with the capacity to stretch-out to cater plane porting.

Addressing the ceremony, Chinese Ambassador Zheng Liz Hong cited that the recent visit of President Abdulla Yameeen Abdul Gayoom to China has been very successful as it has paved way for major Chinese firms to invest in Maldives. Ambassador Liz Hong assured that China would remain consistent in providing assistance to the development of Maldives.

"China is happy to see that especially within the few years, Maldives has been making remarkable progress in social and economic development with improved living standards for people and improved infranstructure for future development," Ambassador Zheng Liz Hong said.

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Addressing the ceremony, General Manager of BUCG Li Daosong appreciated the efforts of the Maldivian Government to grant the China-based company the opportunity to develop the new seaplane terminal and assured that the terminal would be constructed according to the expectations of the Maldivian Government.

"BUCG is amongst the most respected construction company as well as project management companies both in China and abroad with 6 major industries including general construction, financing and equity investment. This company delivers project with quality and would deliver them on par client's expectations," Li Daosong said.

Over the years, Maldives has developed the largest seaplane hub in the world. The Government of Maldives has given a huge focus to expand and upgrade the seaplane operations of Maldives.

Under the USD 1 billion mega project to develop VIA, the Maldivian Government initiated the development of a new seaplane terminal on the eastern side of Hulhule' Island. 1.83 hectares of land was reclaimed to develop the four-storey new seaplane terminal, according to MACL,