The UK has launched an eight-week call for input in preparation to negotiate a goods-only Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the Maldives, inviting business, organisations and individuals to help shape the UK’s negotiating aims.

According to a press release on the Government of UK website, the Maldives is one of the few countries in the Commonwealth which the UK is not already pursuing an FTA with or does not already have preferential access to the UK market.

The public consultation will also help to identify trade barriers which pose an obstacle to UK businesses attempting to export their goods to Maldives.

A statement by the Government of the Maldives welcomed the announcement by the Government of United Kingdom.

It further added that strengthening the competitiveness of the Maldives’ economy and creating favorable market opportunities for local businesses has been a top priority under President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s government. Over the past four years, the Government of Maldives has actively pursued negotiations with the United Kingdom, striving to eliminate the existing 20% tariff imposed on our fish exports to the UK.

"This significant step marks the start of the process to establish a Free Trade Agreement between the Maldives and the United Kingdom. Through this agreement, the Government of Maldives seeks to gain preferential treatment to the goods traded to the United Kingdom and unhindered access to its market by elimination of tariffs. The trade deal is expected to enhance bilateral trade between the Maldives and the United Kingdom, opening new avenues of economic growth and prosperity," the statement read.

The statement further highlighted that the government is confident that this trade agreement will bolster economic cooperation between the Maldives and UK.