Kathmandu— Ismail Rafeeq, mayor of Fuvahmulah City in the Maldives, recently visited several cities in China's Jiangsu Province to study sustainable infrastructure and urban planning. The trip aimed to find solutions for water scarcity and energy needs on his island, which is directly surrounded by deep ocean.

Desalination and Renewable Energy

During the visit to Yancheng, Rafeeq focused on desalination and renewable energy technologies. He noted that sustainable water and energy solutions are critical for island communities like Fuvahmulah. The delegation learned about new-energy desalination methods and saw how these could be applied in their home city.

Agricultural Innovation

In Nanjing, Rafeeq visited the Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences to learn about agricultural research and technology. Fuvahmulah is known for its fertile soil and diverse crop production, including mangoes, papayas, bananas, citrus fruits, watermelons, and sweet potatoes. Cooperation in this area could enhance productivity and food security.

Urban Planning and Tourism

Suzhou's approach to combining vocational education with traditional arts and crafts left a strong impression on Rafeeq. He believes that such initiatives can create employment opportunities for young people while preserving cultural heritage. Additionally, Suzhou’s urban planning practices emphasized the importance of long-term vision and public engagement in development projects.

Rafeeq concluded that the lessons learned from Jiangsu Province could significantly benefit Fuvahmulah's water infrastructure, energy needs, agriculture, environmental management, urban planning, and tourism.

(With inputs from Xinhua)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.