"Even the King spoke about our fish": Shiyam on UK tariff talks
Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shiyam has attempted to credit President Dr. Muizzu’s administration for the UK's removal of import duties on Maldivian fish products; however, official negotiations for this tariff elimination began under the previous government, leading to the UK's recent decision to temporarily scrap duties on tuna imports from several countries, including the Maldives. This concession effectively reduces the 20 percent tariff previously levied on Maldivian fish exports to zero.
An AI-generated conceptual image depicting a meeting with the British King regarding the elimination of tariffs on Maldivian tuna exports to the United Kingdom. | RaajjeMV
During President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s official visit to the United Kingdom, King Charles III greeted the Maldives' Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources, Ahmed Shiyam, by immediately initiating a conversation about the Maldivian fishing industry, according to the Minister.
Speaking at a press conference held at the President's Office on Wednesday, Minister Shiyam highlighted the advancements made in the fishing industry since the current administration took office. In particular, Shiyam sought to demonstrate that the United Kingdom's decision to abolish duties on Maldivian fish products was a direct result of the efforts made by President Muizzu's government.
Minister Shiyam stated that the suspension of tariffs by the United Kingdom on May 20, effectively reducing them to zero, is a significant achievement. He further noted that despite claims from government critics suggesting this relief was not exclusive to the Maldives, the outcome is a direct result of President Muizzu's dedicated efforts.
Minister Shiyam stated that the agenda for President Muizzu’s meeting with the British King was focused entirely on the elimination of tariffs. He further noted that upon concluding the meeting, the King’s first remarks while shaking the President’s hand pertained specifically to the issue of fish exports.
The President conducted an official visit to the United Kingdom, and I had the privilege of attending nearly every meeting on his itinerary, with the sole exception of the audience with the King. In every single one of those sessions, the top three priorities on the agenda were consistently the fish tariffs. Furthermore, I am aware that following their private meeting, when His Majesty the King came out to greet us, he specifically spoke to me about the fisheries sector and the ongoing discussions regarding our fish exports.Minister of Fisheries Ahmed Shiyam
The Minister further stated that the primary credit for this achievement lies in the special priority accorded to the matter by President Muizzu.
However, formal negotiations to abolish the 20 percent tariff on Maldivian fish exports to the United Kingdom first commenced during the administration of former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. Lord Tariq Ahmad, the UK’s former Minister of State for the Foreign Office, previously acknowledged the significant efforts made toward this goal by then-Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid and the former High Commissioner of Maldives to the UK, Dr. Farahanaz Faisal.
The United Kingdom has recently decided to temporarily scrap import duties on tuna products from several countries, including the Maldives.
