The Maldives and Turkey are in the process of finalising a free trade agreement.

"The first meeting of the Preferential Trade Agreement or free trade agreement with Turkey was held at the Economic Ministry this afternoon," the Ministry said in a post on X.

In a post on X this evening, Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed said after President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's visit to Turkey, the two countries have been working hard to boost trade ties. The preferential trade agreement being worked out between the two countries is part of it, he said.

Giving further details, Saeed told One this evening that the agreement will include easing of a number of important products imported from Turkey to the Maldives and fish exported by the Maldives to Turkey.

President Dr. Muizzu, who arrived here after a visit to China, told reporters at Velana International Airport (VIA) that instead of relying on a particular country for the staples, he had entered into an agreement with Turkey.

"We have already signed an agreement to provide rice, sugar and other products from Turkey for one year and an additional 10 per cent," he said.