Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed has announced plans to relax import restrictions on food products from Thailand. He made the statement after a meeting with the visiting Thai Minister of Commerce on Thursday.
The 2nd meeting of the Maldives-Thailand Joint Trade Committee commenced in Male’ City yesterday. Trade ministers of both countries attended the second day of the two-day meeting.
Briefing the media after the meeting which was held at held at Dharubaaruge Convention Centre, Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed said efforts are being made to further enhance trade relations between the two countries. Minister Saeed said that establishing a direct link between Thai farmers and Maldivian importers would further ease the importation of fruits, vegetables and other perishables.
Speaking to reporters before concluding her visit to the Maldives, Minister of Commerce of Thailand, Apiradi Tantraporn highlighted the work being done to further strengthen economic and trade relations between the Maldives and Thailand.
The Minister said they are aiming to increase the trade volume between the two countries to US$200 million by 2018. She added that Thailand is ready to assist the Maldives to further expand its tourism sector. She said that discussions during the trade committee meeting were focused on assisting the Maldives in human resource development in the tourism sector, and assistance in improving the health sector.
Meanwhile, a one-day forum for businesses from Thailand and Maldives was also held Thursday at Dharubaaruge Convention Centre. 35 exporters from Thailand attended the forum.
The forum, aimed at providing a platform for businesses from both countries, showcased tourism and construction related products.