Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) has said that information regarding the agreements signed with China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) to relocate the nation's main commercial port from the capital, Male', to the industrial island of Thilafushi is strictly confidential.
Responding to inquiries filed by Adhadhu under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, MPL clarified that the agreements signed with CHEC on February 5, 2026, and July 20, 2026, contain non-disclosure clauses that prohibit the public release of any details.
The scope of work awarded to China Harbour Engineering includes measures to alleviate congestion at the current port under the Local Harbour Relief Project. This involves the construction of a 375-meter international quay wall, a 14.6-meter container vessel quay wall, and an 820-meter domestic quay wall.
MPL also declined to disclose the total value of the two agreements. The company argued that revealing the contract price could expose trade secrets and harm the commercial and financial interests of a third party.
The government’s refusal to disclose the Thilafushi port agreements comes despite President Mohamed Muizzu having previously expressed concern over "secret agreements" made by the former administration.
Following the awarding of the Thilafushi port project to the Chinese firm, a high-level delegation from the United States visited the Maldives to inspect the site. Indian media reports also indicated that the Indian government had expressed concerns regarding the development.
In response, the Maldivian Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement asserting that the decision to award the Thilafushi port project to a Chinese company does not reflect a shift in the country's diplomatic stance.
"This project was awarded in accordance with the established laws and procedures for such contracts. The decision was made with a view toward the long-term development of the Maldives. This decision does not reflect a specific position toward any particular country, nor will it result in any change to existing bilateral relations," the statement read.
