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Maldives eyes FTAs with US, UK & Japan

Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed has revealed plans to pursue free trade agreements with the United States, United Kingdom and Japan.

He revealed the plans at a function held to officially launch Dhivehi Insurance Company.

Describing the Government’s economic agenda as “revolutionising”, Saeed said the Government is now preparing for negotiations to establish free trade agreements with three of the world’s largest economies.

He further said the government is currently negotiating a free trade agreement with Hong Kong, which is one of the largest consumers.

Earlier this month, the Maldives wrapped up the final round of talks on the proposed China-Maldives free trade agreement.

Official negotiations on the proposed FTA between the two countries were initiated in September 2015.

The government expects the agreement to be signed in the first quarter of 2017.