Trade minister deflects blame from China FTA for plummeting customs revenue

A digest of yesterday's top story.

Minister departs for final round of China-Maldives free trade deal

Economic Development Minister Saeed said the Maldives is hoping to secure duty-free status for fish and processed seafood exports. The Maldives’ first bilateral free trade deal is expected to be signed in early 2017.

Maldives hopeful of signing free trade agreement with China by 2017

After the first round of negotiations concluded at the Bandos Island Resort on Tuesday, Economic Development Minister Mohamed Saeed said a free trade pact with China will be most beneficial to Maldivian businesses that export fish products. “Our main aim is to export [fish products] to the China market without any tariffs,” he said.

MPs grill ministers over ‘unrealistic’ revenue targets

MPs on the parliament’s budget review committee questioned ministers today about targets in the 2016 budget after revenue this year fell far short of forecasts.

Economic minister departs for investment forum in China

Saeed told reporters the main target of this year’s forum will be “opening the eyes of the world” to the potential of the Maldives’ banking and financial sector.

Negotiations launched for China-Maldives free trade agreement

The Maldives and China signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) today to launch negotiations to establish a free trade agreement between the countries.

Investment forum in Beijing postponed to October

Economic development minister Mohamed Saeed told the press on Thursday that more than 3,400 invitations have been sent out ahead of the 2nd edition of the investment forum and many participants have already registered.

Feasibility study underway for iHavan project

China to fund Malé-Hulhulé bridge, says minister

Government offers ‘corporate resident visas’ for foreign investors

EU demanded same sex marriage, freedom of religion, claim ministers

Political consensus necessary for success of SEZs, cautions MMA governor

President seeks Chinese free aid for Hulhumalé bridge project

Chamber of commerce vice president slams economic development minister

SEZ bill designed to incentivise investment, says Economic Development Minister

Government submits bill on special economic zones