2019 overseas public administration course opened in Maldives

Zhang Lizhong, Chinese ambassador to Maldives, Aly Shameem, chairman of the Civil Service Commission (CSC) of Maldives, Maldivian government officials, visiting faculty members of the China National Academy of Governance and program trainees, altogether a group of 50, attended the opening ceremony of the 2019 overseas public administration course in Maldives on Nov 25, 2019.

Group photo of the 2019 overseas public administration course  [Photo/fmprc.gov.cn ]

Shameem expressed his gratitude for China's long-term support of social and economic development of Maldives, especially noting its contribution to the public administration capacity of the country's public servants. Over the five years since the start of the training program, the Chinese Academy of Governance and the CSC have been expanding exchanges and cooperation in this area, which has effectively enhanced the abilities of Maldives public administration civil service teams. He looked forward to more training opportunities offered by the China side for better state governance in Maldives. 

Zhang reviewed China's training support to Maldives in recent years. The Chinese government has offered about 1,200 training opportunities for the Maldivian civil service system in areas of economic management, trade, investment, education, and health care.

In 2019, China trained over 300 Maldivian government employees and technicians in fields such as anti-corruption, local councilor's governance capabilities, and fishery industry techniques. It is expected that more fields will be covered in 2020.

Zhang also explained the main content of the Fourth Plenary Session of the 19th CPC Central Committee, and reaffirmed China's position on upholding and optimizing socialism with Chinese characteristics, and the high priority of modernizing China's system and capacity for governance. China and Maldives, both developing countries though of different social institutions, have much in common on state governance system and capacity, and face similar challenges in this regard. Accordingly, China wants to share its experiences with Maldives, and help Maldives within its power to address relevant issues and enhance administration capacity.