China-Maldives free trade deal rushed through parliament
The Maldives’ first bilateral free trade agreement – which commits both nations to reduce tariffs on most imported goods to zero – was rushed through hours after President Abdulla Yameen sought approval for ratification.
30 Nov 2017, 9:00 AM
A landmark free trade deal between the Maldives and China was rushed through parliament Wednesday, hours after President Abdulla Yameen sought approval for ratification.
The free trade agreement – which commits both nations to reduce tariffs on most imported goods to zero – was passed with 30 votes from ruling party lawmakers in the 85-member legislature. Opposition lawmakers boycotted the vote after questioning the legitimacy of the fast-tracked process as well as the lack of public disclosure and consultation with the business community.
Amid media reports of the Majlis breaking for recess as no regular sitting was scheduled for the last working day, an emergency sitting was called for 2:30 pm to send the FTA to the national security committee.
The oversight committee completed its review in a 10-minute closed-door meeting and the agreement was promptly approved at a second impromptu sitting Wednesday night.
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