The United Kingdom's Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State International Trade, Ranil Jayawardena has stated that the UK is exploring options to promote increased trade and investment in the Maldives' fishing industry. Jayawardena made the statement while answering a question posed by conservative MP Andrew Rosindell.
MP Rosindell inquired regarding the steps being taken by the International Trade Department to increase trade and investment in the Maldives fishing industry. In his response, Minister Jayawardena said the Maldives is an important partner for the United Kingdom and that officials are exploring pragmatic options to promote increased trade and investment. In this regard, opportunities to enhance bilateral trade with the Maldives in areas of mutual interest, such as food and drink, defense, education, health and fitness, environmental science, and sustainable development are being explored, said the minister.
Further adding that a range of options for collaboration in financial services and infrastructure development are also being explored, Minister Jayawardena said this includes securing green financing to aid Maldivian efforts towards cleaner, renewable energy generation.
When asked regarding Jayawardena's answer, Communications Director at Maldives Foreign Ministry, Miuvaan Mohamed said the Maldives is in discussion with several countries including the UK regarding trade, investment and tourism opportunities. The missions assigned to each of the countries are conducting international webinars, he added.
Miuvaan noted that a 20 percent tax is charged on Maldivian fish products exported to the UK. The Maldives' High Commission in the UK is in discussion with the UK government to bring down the tax percentage, which would in turn increase fish exports, said Miuvaan.
