After the flag-raising ceremony for the National Pavilion Day Celebration, Shao Qiwei had a meeting with Minister Razee. Chairman Shao said that during the 38 years since China and Maldives established diplomatic relations, the two countries have maintained healthy and smooth development in bilateral relations, and have set an example for large and small countries in treating each other on an equal footing, conducting sincere cooperation and living in harmony. In particular, cooperation relations between the two countries in tourism are getting increasingly closer. Over 40,000 Chinese tourists went on a trip to Maldives last year, and the figure is expected to double this year. Shao Qiwei specially pointed out that along with the robust growth of China’s outbound tourism, China will see a trade deficit in tourism. However, to combat the global financial crisis together with the international community, Chinese Government has not changed its policy on encouraging its citizens’ outbound travel. Chairman Shao also cordially invited more friends from Maldives to visit the Expo and China, and specially welcomed people in tourism sector of Maldives to attend the China International Travel Mart in November in Shanghai for the purpose of promoting Maldives’ tourism promotion.

Minister Razee thanked Chinese Government for its strong support for Maldives' participation in Shanghai World Expo. He said that Shanghai World Expo held National Pavilion Day for each participating country, offering Maldives an opportunity to display its unique society, culture, folk customs and history on this world-class arena. He strongly agreed with Chairman Shao’s opinion that the two sides should continue to strengthen their cooperation. Tourism is a pillar industry of Maldives, so he believed that along with the launch of more direct routes, there will be even closer contacts in tourism between the two countries.