The Minister of Economic Development and Trade, Mohamed Saeed, has dismissed claims that Maldivian fish exports to the United Kingdom benefited from tariff reductions negotiated by the previous administration.

Speaking in Parliament during a session addressing lawmakers’ questions, Minister Saeed clarified that the reported decrease in tariffs was not the result of government-to-government negotiations.

The discussion was prompted by South Galolhu MP Meekail Ahmed Nasym, who suggested that bilateral talks under the former government had successfully led to lower duties.

Minister Saeed explained that the current UK tariff on Maldivian fish stands at 20 percent, down from 24 percent prior to Brexit.

However, he stressed that this is the standard rate applied to countries without preferential trade agreements and was not secured through direct negotiation with the Maldives.

Regarding the proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the Maldives and the UK, Minister Saeed denied that its implementation is scheduled this year and requested evidence for such claims.

He noted that discussions on an FTA began in 2016, coinciding with the UK’s EU withdrawal.

Looking forward, Minister Saeed said the Muizzu administration prioritizes efforts to negotiate tariff reductions with other trading partners, aiming for agreements that provide maximum benefit to the Maldives.