Fisheries Minister Dr. Mohamed Shainy has said that Maldivian close ally India has the same opportunity to establish a free trade agreement with the country, much like the Asian giant China.
Dr. Shainy's comments come to mediate the apparent tension created by opposition, who had sparked rumors of dispute between Maldives and India due to China-Maldives free trade agreement. Since the government lauded move to ink the FTA, anti-government sympathizers and leaders had reiterated a continuing deterioration between the diplomatic ties of India and Maldives, which was in return rebuked by the government stating they are upholding an India first policy.
The opposition had vehemently criticized the foreign policies of the incumbent administration over their move to bond closer with China through the FTA.
While speaking to Avas Online, Dr. Shainy stated the current government do not wish to sit idle without productive work towards development and progress. He had furthermore explained the state do not indiscriminate between foreign allies and Maldives is willing to collaborate with any foreign aide willing to assist the country towards economic growth.
"China is not the only exclusive country we have approached with free trade agreement possibilities, we have ongoing discussions with several other countries. We are willing to evaluate and provide opportunity to any country interested in investing in Maldives, we do not harbor any favoring policies towards any specific country," Dr. Shainy said.
