Former President Mohamed Nasheed has said he agrees that the China-Maldives Free Trade Agreement (FTA) will bring a ‘shock’, as was said by President Abdulla Yameen.

In an interview with RaajjeTV, the self-exiled opposition leader, who is currently in Sri Lanka, said the FTA will negatively impact Maldivians in all area of commerce.

“I believe Maldivians will be hugely affected in all areas of commerce, including construction, retail, and farming. The State’s power will be diminished. The Maldivian economy will become dependent on outside forces.”

“President Yameen told the truth. There will be a shock. A huge change. However, the question I have to ask is what will become of Maldives and Maldivians.”

“We need to discuss this in Parliament. We need to inform the citizens.”