The United States government has observed the progress of the first phase of the Male’ Commercial Port relocation project to Thilafushi, which is currently being undertaken by a Chinese firm.
The U.S. Embassy in the Maldives confirmed that a high-level official currently visiting the country met with senior management of Maldives Ports Limited (MPL).
The Embassy further noted that the official sought information regarding potential opportunities for the United States to collaborate with the Maldives on key infrastructure projects.
On Tuesday, Nicole Chulick met with Foreign Minister Iruthisham Adam to discuss the implementation of various infrastructure projects.
Under the current administration's policy to relocate the Male’ Commercial Port to Thilafushi, the design and survey work for the first phase of the project was awarded to China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) last February.
This phase, titled the "Local Harbor Relief Project" by MPL, includes the construction of a 650-meter quay wall, a 125-meter jetty, X-ray facilities, automated resources, and a bonded warehouse.
According to MPL, CHEC was contracted for the design phase of the port, with a five-month deadline to complete the work. MPL stated that physical construction of the port will commence once the design is finalized and a contract price for the construction phase is agreed upon.
The U.S. government’s review of the Thilafushi project comes at a time when bilateral relations between the Maldives and the United States have strengthened under the current administration. Senior U.S. government officials have been making frequent visits to the Maldives.
In March, Sergio Gor, a representative sent by the U.S. government, also met with the Minister of Defence. He serves as a key official overseeing matters related to South and Central Asia.
