Minister Shiyam Confirms Ongoing Talks to Reduce UK Tariffs on Maldivian Fish Exports

The Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources, Ahmed Shiyam, has confirmed that discussions are ongoing to reduce tariffs on Maldivian fish exports to the United Kingdom, rejecting claims that the negotiations had been halted.

The clarification came after opposition lawmakers questioned the government’s efforts during a recent parliamentary session, where the Minister of Economic Development and Trade, Mohamed Saeed, was asked about the status of a potential Maldives-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Minister Saeed stated that no official documentation existed indicating that such an agreement was due for implementation this year, prompting some opposition members to claim that work on the FTA had been stopped.

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Minister Shiyam dismissed these claims as false and said that negotiations to secure tariff-free access for Maldivian fish to the UK market are progressing. He highlighted that the recent Presidential visit to the United Kingdom had helped advance discussions aimed at strengthening trade cooperation.

He further stressed that achieving tariff reductions is critical for ensuring better prices for Maldivian fishermen and sustaining the fishing industry. Minister Shiyam also criticised the previous administration, attributing the financial difficulties faced by the state-owned fisheries company to what he described as misguided policy decisions, including artificially raising fish prices based on premature expectations of a UK trade deal.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment, Minister Shiyam stated that efforts are being made to protect the fishing sector and create fair business opportunities for all stakeholders involved.