The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has raised concerns over the exclusion of fish export duty discussions from the recent Maldives-UK talks.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the MDP highlighted that one of the key economic initiatives of former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's administration was to secure duty-free access for Maldivian fish exports to the United Kingdom.
The party noted that the UK government had initiated the first round of consultations for a free trade agreement in 2023, aimed at removing monthly duties on fish exports. The MDP described the agreement as a transformative opportunity for the fishing industry, pointing out that canned fish is one of the Maldives’ most valuable export products, with a large portion previously destined for the UK market.
The party said eliminating import duties would directly benefit Maldivian fishermen by increasing the prices paid for their catch.
The MDP also expressed concern that the Asia-Pacific Trade Agreement (APTA) was not included in the discussions held last week, despite earlier expectations of a positive impact on fish prices.
While visa issues were discussed during the Maldives-UK meeting held on Wednesday, the MDP urged the government not to neglect critical economic matters such as the future of the fishing sector.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the MDP highlighted that one of the key economic initiatives of former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's administration was to secure duty-free access for Maldivian fish exports to the United Kingdom.
The party noted that the UK government had initiated the first round of consultations for a free trade agreement in 2023, aimed at removing monthly duties on fish exports. The MDP described the agreement as a transformative opportunity for the fishing industry, pointing out that canned fish is one of the Maldives’ most valuable export products, with a large portion previously destined for the UK market.
The party said eliminating import duties would directly benefit Maldivian fishermen by increasing the prices paid for their catch.
The MDP also expressed concern that the Asia-Pacific Trade Agreement (APTA) was not included in the discussions held last week, despite earlier expectations of a positive impact on fish prices.
While visa issues were discussed during the Maldives-UK meeting held on Wednesday, the MDP urged the government not to neglect critical economic matters such as the future of the fishing sector.
