Economic Ministry has held a forum for businesses to exchange ideas on the Free Trade Agreement to be established between China and the Maldives.
Speaking in the opening ceremony, Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed said for the Forum, the Ministry had invited 250 businesses to take part and exchange ideas. He added that the purpose of the Forum was to gain an understanding of the difficulties in the export import of goods and to inform businesses on the benefits of the FTA.
Minister Saeed added that the insights gained from the Forum will be used to address the issues faced by businesses.
He said that over 400 fish related products are being produced in the country, adding that the aim was to sell those products to China with 0% tariff. He added that Maldivian was operating flights to five destinations in China, as well as Mega Maldives. Under the FTA issues to the planes will be resolved and more destinations in China will be opened to the Maldives.
Saeed added that due to the FTA, importers will also gain immense benefits. He noted the details of the FTA will be hammered in the third FTA discussions.
Minister noted that local businesses will not be hampered, but will gain innumerable benefits. He added that President Yameen had prioritized on making the FTA as beneficial to the maldivian public.