Maldives Customs Service has revealed that importers are seeking to import more agricultural goods to the Maldives and have the import duty waived for these products.

This was revealed by the Chief Customs Officer Ali Zubair during a press briefing held at the National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC) on Wednesday.

Zubair stated that they have waived duty for some agricultural items under the import and export act even now and that this is done for importers registered at the Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture for the import of agricultural goods.

In this regard Zubair added that importers are seeking to add more agricultural items to the list of agricultural good that import duty is waived for. He stated that these importers face hindrances due to the list consisting of less products.

Zubair stated that changes will be brought accordingly after discussions are held with relevant authorities.

At a time the country has been stricken with the Covid-19 pandemic, the government is observably working tirelessly to boost the country’s agricultural industry as the country’s main source of income through the tourism industry is at a complete standstill. As such, plots of land in outlying atolls are being leased with a 50% reduction rate for farmers.