Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed says that the free trade agreement between Maldives and China will be signed this year.

Speaking to press after concluding the latest discussions with Chinese representatives over the China Maldives Free Trade Agreement, Minister Saeed said that only administrative works of the agreement remained to be addressed. He added that most of the points raised by Maldives had been included in the agreement.

Minister Saeed added that the agreement will most likely be signed within the first six months of this year. He said that when the agreement comes into effect, Chinese investors will come into the Maldives from day one.

Economic Ministry informs that as per the current discussions, China will not tax Maldivian exports of fish and seafood.

Maldives is currently engaged in free trade discussions with UK and Japan.