MDP questions exclusion of FTA from Maldives–UK talks
The party also stated that canned fish, the Maldives' highest value-added export, accounts for 50% of total fish exports to the UK.
The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has raised concerns over the absence of Free Trade Agreement (FTA) discussions in the recent Maldives–United Kingdom dialogue.
In a statement released Sunday, the MDP said one of the key trade efforts initiated during former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s administration was aimed at securing a reduction in tariffs on Maldivian fish exports to the UK. The party noted that under the previous government, the tariff on fish exported to the UK had been reduced from 24% to 20% by 2020.
According to the MDP, the UK had agreed in principle to a pre-trade agreement that would eventually reduce tariffs on Maldivian fish to zero. The party also stated that canned fish, the Maldives' highest value-added export, accounts for 50% of total fish exports to the UK.
“The reduction of import duty on Maldivian fish products to the UK would provide direct benefits to the Maldivian fisheries sector,” the statement read.
The MDP added that negotiations on the FTA had continued, with the UK government launching a public consultation on 8 June 2023. Implementation of the agreement was scheduled for this year.
The party has questioned why FTA negotiations were not discussed in the recent Maldives–UK bilateral talks held last week and has called on the government to clarify the matter.
