The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has called on President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s administration to explain why discussions on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the United Kingdom were omitted from the recent strategic dialogue held between the two countries.

The second Maldives–UK Strategic Dialogue took place in Malé on May 28.

However, the joint communique released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs made no mention of the FTA, which had been under discussion since 2023.

The agreement, once finalized, would allow Maldivian fish exports to enter the UK market duty-free.

In a statement released on Sunday, the MDP expressed serious concern over the apparent exclusion of the FTA from the high-level talks, describing it as a vital step toward strengthening the country's fisheries sector.

Under the previous administration, initial negotiations with the UK led to a reduction in export duties from 24% to 20% in 2020.

Formal talks for a goods-only FTA concluded in June 2023, with the UK subsequently launching a public consultation ahead of official negotiations.

According to the MDP, the agreement had been on track to be implemented by 2025.

The party also highlighted that over 50 percent of Maldivian canned tuna is exported to the UK, making it one of the most critical markets for the country’s fish products.

 adding that the agreement had the potential to be a transformative milestone for the fisheries sector.

The party expressed deep concern over the lack of progress and urged the government to clarify why the FTA was not raised during last week’s bilateral dialogue.

The Maldives remains one of the few Commonwealth nations with which the UK has yet to pursue a full FTA or extend preferential market access.