Investors have already expressed interest in the Addu Bridge project, Minister of Construction and Infrastructure Abdulla Muththalib has said.

Muththalib, who is currently in China with President Mohamed Muizzu and other senior administration officials, said major Chinese companies have expressed interest in the project with one having already submitted a proposal during the Invest Maldives Forum the administration was undertaking in Fuzhou, China.

In addition to the Addu Bridge, which will bring better connectivity between Hithadhoo and Hulhumeedhoo in Addu City, the Muizzu administration will also seek to develop and finance a project to connect Thinadhoo and Kaadehdhoo in Thaa Atoll. Muizzu, during his presidential campaign, had pledged to begin work on the two connectivity projects during his five-year term — the design and technical study process on the Addu Bridge has recently been initiated. The initial phase of work on the Addu Bridge is included in President Mohamed Muizzu’s ‘Week 14’ roadmap with MVR 30 million budgeted for the project in the 2024 budget.

Hithadhoo and Hulhumeedhoo are 23 km apart while Thinadhoo and Kaadehdhoo are 4.4 km apart.

According to an administration official, the forum would seek to attract investments for several projects that are part of President Muizzu’s vision. Major projects that will be featured at the forum will include the third phase development of Velana Airport, the Ras Malé project, and the Malé Commercial Port project.

Other projects investment will be sought for include;

  • Facilities at Ras Malé to be developed as a zero-carbon-safe island
  • Construction of 70,000 affordable housing units
  • iHavan Port and Tourism Zone
  • Hospitality institute including an upscale resort

The administration will also showcase opportunities for investments in agriculture, waste disposal, renewable energy, and financial services.

According to the administration official, 250 representatives from Chinese businesses attended the forum, joined by 30 representatives from Maldivian businesses also taking part.