Sanya has signed new agreements with the Maldives to strengthen trade and investment ties, following a two-day business mission focused on the blue economy, yacht services, fisheries and aquaculture.
The delegation visited the Maldives from October 27 to 28, 2026. It included representatives from the Sanya Municipal Bureau of Commerce, Sanya Central Business District Administration, Sanya Investment Promotion Bureau and Sanya Tourism Development Bureau.
Drawing on the policy framework of the Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP), the delegation met with Maldivian government officials and business leaders to explore commercial partnerships and potential joint projects.
The mission followed a visit by a Maldivian trade delegation to Sanya in August. Both sides discussed how their complementary industries could create new business opportunities.
Sanya Explores Yacht Services and Seafood Trade
On October 27, the delegation visited Alshaali Marine and Gulf Craft Maldives to discuss cooperation in the yacht industry.
Discussions covered yacht components, maintenance and refurbishment, new yacht sales and duty-free imports. Sanya also aims to establish a yacht manufacturing and maintenance facility in the city.
The delegation subsequently met with the Maldives Ministry of Fisheries, Agriculture and Ocean Resources to strengthen cooperation between fishing ports.
The discussions also covered new trade routes for tuna, skipjack and other seafood. Under the proposed arrangement, seafood would be processed in Sanya before being exported to international markets.
In addition, both sides explored opportunities in aviation, tourism, tropical fruit and vegetable trade, and green energy.
China-Maldives Investment Cooperation Forum Signs Trade MOU
On October 28, the China-Maldives Investment Cooperation Forum took place in Malé.
At the event, the Sanya Investment Promotion Bureau delivered a keynote presentation on blue economy partnerships. It outlined how the Hainan FTP’s policy advantages and Sanya’s industrial base could support commercial cooperation across the Indian Ocean.
The Sanya Municipal Bureau of Commerce and Sanya Investment Promotion Bureau also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Maldives Ministry of Economic Development, Transport and Trade.
The agreement establishes a framework for long-term cooperation in several areas:
- Trade and investment promotion
- Fisheries and aquaculture
- Blue economy development
- Business matchmaking
It also aims to encourage investment in both directions, supporting businesses from each market seeking opportunities in the other.
Sanya Signs Strategic Agreement with Mariculture Maldives
Separately, the Sanya Investment Promotion Bureau and Sanya Central Business District Administration signed a Strategic Cooperation Framework Agreement with Mariculture Maldives.
The partners plan to collaborate on breeding tropical aquaculture species, developing large-scale marine farming operations and establishing two-way trade channels for fresh seafood.
Mariculture Maldives plans to establish operations in Sanya. The company intends to use the Hainan FTP’s policy advantages to expand into the Asia-Pacific market.
The delegation also held face-to-face meetings with Island Aviation Services Ltd, which operates the national airline Maldivian, and Leo Trading to explore additional business opportunities.
Sanya Seeks to Turn Agreements into Commercial Projects
Tong Liyan, head of the delegation and Party Secretary of the Sanya Investment Promotion Bureau, emphasised the importance of translating international agreements into business activity.
“Our overseas outreach must deliver real results. It is not enough to reach consensus — we must turn agreements into concrete trade flows and industrial investment,” she said.
Tong added that Sanya would provide comprehensive support for businesses entering each other’s markets.
This includes helping Sanya-based companies explore opportunities in Maldivian tourism and fisheries. The city also plans to invite Maldivian businesses to visit its industrial parks, ports and business environment.
Through these initiatives, Sanya hopes to attract new investment and encourage Maldivian companies to establish operations in the city.
Sanya Expands Commercial Links Across the Indian Ocean
Sanya is seeking to strengthen trade and investment relationships with island nations in the Indian Ocean, drawing on its coastal industries and the international trade framework of the Hainan FTP.
The cooperation with the Maldives focuses on connecting marine industries, developing seafood trade routes and supporting businesses in both markets.
By advancing these partnerships, Sanya aims to turn shared maritime resources and industrial capabilities into commercial opportunities for both economies.
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