Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef attended the closing ceremony of the Third China-Indian Ocean Region Forum on Blue Economy Development Cooperation in Kunming, China. During the event, he launched the Global Development Project Pool (GDPP) Information Management System and unveiled the plaque for the China-Indian Ocean Region Centre for Maritime Cooperation and Training. Dignitaries present included Honourable Reginald Farley, President of the Senate of Barbados; His Excellency Luo Zhaohui, Chairman of the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA); Mr Kouadio Affian, Chair of IOC-AFRICA; and Mr Sun Shuxian, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Natural Resources of China.
The GDPP Information Management System is a digital platform established by CIDCA to enhance international development cooperation under the Global Development Initiative (GDI). Its primary objective is to facilitate the efficient management and coordination of development projects by mobilising resources and aligning them with the specific needs of developing countries. The system serves as a repository for projects across eight priority areas identified by the GDI, including poverty alleviation, food security, and industrialisation. By digitising project management, it aims to streamline processes, improve transparency, and ensure that development efforts are effectively targeted and implemented.
The China-Indian Ocean Region Centre for Maritime Cooperation and Training is poised to become a hub for enhancing maritime collaboration among Indian Ocean nations. The centre will focus on capacity building, research, and the promotion of sustainable practices within the blue economy. It aims to address shared challenges such as marine environmental protection, disaster prevention, and the development of marine resources.
Following the ceremony, Vice President Latheef attended a banquet hosted by His Excellency Wang Yong, Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC). The event provided an opportunity for further discussions on strengthening bilateral relations and exploring avenues for enhanced cooperation in maritime and economic sectors.
The Maldives’ active participation in these initiatives underscores its commitment to regional collaboration and sustainable development within the Indian Ocean region. By engaging in platforms like the GDPP and the Maritime Cooperation and Training Centre, the Maldives aims to contribute to and benefit from collective efforts to promote a resilient and prosperous blue economy.
