The Government has denied reports claiming that a commercial duty-free zone is being established between the Maldives and Sri Lanka, with Minister of Economic Affairs Mohamed Saeed stating that such plans are incorrect and have not been discussed.

Minister Saeed made the clarification in a post on his official X account, following widespread media speculation regarding the proposed trade initiative. His comments come in the wake of media reports claiming that Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is expected to visit Maldives to finalise an agreement on the matter.

Refuting the claims, Saeed asserted that the establishment of a bilateral duty-free zone is neither accurate nor on the Government’s current agenda. He further stressed that no formal discussions or negotiations have taken place regarding such an arrangement.