Maldives Ports Limited has refused to disclose details of major agreements with Chinese entities, citing confidentiality.
The state-owned port operator rejected a request under the Right to Information Act for documents concerning Chinese involvement in port infrastructure projects. MPL said the agreements contain commercially sensitive information that cannot be released.
The refusal has drawn attention because of the strategic importance of port infrastructure and the scale of Chinese financing in the sector. Critics argue that greater transparency is needed for projects that involve significant public interest and long-term financial commitments.
MPL has previously been linked to discussions about relocating commercial port functions and expanding capacity. The government has not issued a separate statement on the confidentiality claim.
The decision is likely to be appealed or scrutinised further by civil-society groups that have sought greater disclosure of foreign-funded infrastructure contracts.
