Trade Agreements: Maldives
(asked on 21st January 2022) - View Source
Question to the Department for International Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of an Economic Partnership Agreement with the Republic of the Maldives; and if she will make a statement.
The Maldives is a valued member of the Commonwealth and an important partner for the United Kingdom. HM Government is keen to cooperate with the Maldivian Government on trade opportunities that benefit people and businesses in both our countries.
As the EU did not have any trade agreement with the Maldives, they could not be included in the United Kingdom’s trade continuity programme. Accordingly, whilst Maldivian access to the British market remains as it was prior to 1st January 2021, we will continue explore pragmatic options to enhance bilateral trade relations in areas of mutual interest, such as fishing.
HM Government and the Maldives are contracting parties to the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission, where the United Kingdom is continuing to seek adoption of new measures for the protection of tuna stocks in the Indian Ocean. The United Kingdom’s strength in financial services means she is well placed to support the Maldives secure any necessary capital for sustainable development.