MDP raises concerns over absence of UK free trade talks in Maldives-UK dialogue

Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has expressed concern over the failure to include discussions on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the United Kingdom during the recent Maldives-UK Dialogue held on Wednesday.

The dialogue instead focused on visa issues, with no mention of reducing tariffs on fish exports.

In a post on X, MDP President Abdulla Shahid criticized the omission and called on the government to explain why trade discussions, particularly concerning the fishing industry, were left out of the agenda. Shahid noted that under former president Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s administration, duties on Maldivian fish exports to the UK were reduced from 24 percent to 20 percent.

MDP issued a statement highlighting that the FTA would be a game-changer for the country’s fishing sector, as canned fish is the Maldives' largest export, with over 50 percent exported to the UK market. The party said that eliminating UK import duties could significantly increase the price paid to local fishermen and provide a major boost to the industry.

Initial negotiations for an FTA with the UK concluded previously, with the British government launching a public consultation in 2023. Further negotiations are expected to resume in 2025.

MDP said that failing to raise the matter during the recent bilateral talks undermines efforts to secure better terms for Maldivian fish exports.

"The government must be transparent and inform the public why the FTA was excluded from this dialogue," the MDP said, calling the omission extremely worrying.