Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether, and if so when, they will initiate negotiations towards a free trade agreement with the Maldives.

The Department for Business and Trade held a public Call for Input into a trade deal with Maldives and is evaluating those responses and other factors to ensure that the opinions and interests of businesses, civil society groups, trade unions, public bodies and individuals are considered.

The start of negotiations would be preceded by the publication of our strategic approach.