China has expressed interest in importing Maldivian tuna after the ratification of a free trade agreement (FTA) signed between the Maldives and China.
The interest was expressed by Chinese Ambassador to the Maldives Wang Lixin. Sharing a post made by the Maldives Fisheries Ministry on the occasion of World Tuna Day, the ambassador said China was “looking forward to the Maldivian tuna's easy entry into the Chinese market with the ratification of FTA at an early date.”
The Chinese ambassador’s remarks came after President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu said during a state visit to China in January that exporting fish to China under the FTA was a key objective of his government.
The free trade deal was a symbol of the close commercial ties between China and Maldives, the President said, declaring his administration’s readiness to implement the FTA and prioritize fish exports.
“I am told that it is the first comprehensive FTA between China and a South Asian country. The FTA’s aim to boost bilateral trade and investments, especially increasing our export of fish products to China is a key priority for us through the FTA. My government is committed to ensuring quick implementation of the agreement," the President said at the Invest Maldives Forum in Fuzhou, China.
The free trade agreement between the Maldives and China was signed by former President Abdulla Yameen’s government on December 18, 2014, during his visit to China. The pro-government majority in Parliament approved the agreement on November 29, 2017.
However, former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih halted implementation of the FTA after assuming office in November 2018.
