The Maldives proposed eliminating tariffs for 214 exports under a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) that the current government is formulating with Türkiye, the Economic Ministry has said.
The Maldives government began efforts to establish the PTA with Türkiye last month. The government requested eliminating tariffs during the second round of talks for the agreement between senior officials of the two countries. The meeting was conducted online.
The government has not disclosed any details of the items proposed for export to Türkiye at zero percent.
"The ongoing negotiations on a Preferential Trade Agreement with the Government of Türkiye is to help our exporters get preferential access to Türkiye market with concessional import tariffs and reduced non-tariff barriers," Economic Development Minister Mohamed Saeed said in a post on his official X account.
Second round of talks for Preferential Trade Agreement. -- Photo: Economic Ministry
Turkiÿe is one of the countries with which the current administration maintains the closest ties under President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's foreign policy. His maiden official overseas visit was also made to Turkiÿe.
Under the close relationship with the country, military drones for the Maldives army were purchased from a Turkish company and the President said in January amid strained ties with India that an agreement has been made to bring staples needed for the Maldives from Turkiÿe.
However, the shipment of Turkish staples that was due to arrive in February has yet to reach the Maldives.
