President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has stated that he is ready to immediately implement the Free Trade Agreement signed between China and the Maldives.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Maldives Business Forum in Fujian Province as part of his first state visit to China, the President said that the country's vision for development is based on strong partnerships with multiple stakeholders.
"I have no doubt that China will be our biggest development partner," President Muizzu said at the forum, which is attended by approximately 300 participants.
He said that the Maldives becoming the first country in South Asia to sign a free trade agreement with China is a symbol of the strong trade relations between the two countries.
"My government is ready to start implementing the agreement as soon as possible," he said.
The President also highlighted the recently established Maldives Industrial Freezone Company for re-export and transshipment during the ceremony.
He added that the company will give special priority to Maldives' food security, fish exports, and regional development investments.
The Maldives and China signed the Free Trade Agreement on December 18, 2014, during former President Yameen's visit to China. The agreement was approved by the parliament, where the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) and Maldives Development Alliance (MDA) coalition had the majority, on November 29, 2017.
However, since then, the government has changed its stance, citing that the agreement was under review, and it has not been implemented under the previous government.
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