Minister of Economic Development and Trade, Mohammed Saeed, has announced that the Maldives is taking active steps to identify goods suitable for re-export and support local businesses in expanding their exports, in a bid to fully capitalise on the China-Maldives Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

Speaking at a press conference held at the President’s Office on Sunday, Minister Saeed stated that a delegation of Chinese technical experts had recently visited the Maldives following consultations with the Chinese Ministry of Commerce. The purpose of the visit was to explore opportunities to enhance the economic benefits of the FTA, which officially came into effect on 1 January this year.

According to the Minister, the visiting team gathered comprehensive data on products that can be re-exported from the Maldives, as well as those that could be developed domestically for export purposes. The team also conducted site visits and engaged with local workers to assess the range of products currently being manufactured or produced by Maldivians.

He stated that the team would return to China and submit a set of recommendations aimed at enhancing the country’s export potential. He noted that the suggestions would focus on economic strategies to increase exports, and added that the Government remained committed to providing the necessary financial support to businesses for the implementation of those strategies.

Minister Saeed highlighted that the China-Maldives Free Trade Agreement has been well-received by the business community and expressed optimism about its long-term economic advantages. He further noted that the agreement could offer the Maldives strategic benefits amid the ongoing trade tensions between the United States and China.

The Minister added that the Free Trade Agreement opened new avenues for Maldivian exporters and helped to strengthen the nation’s trade partnerships. He stated that, given the current global economic climate, the agreement presented an important opportunity for the Maldives to diversify its trade and investment.