Saeed: FTA with China now active, over 100 small businesses registered

Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed has announced that the Maldives-China Free Trade Agreement (FTA), signed over a decade ago, has finally come into force, triggering the registration of more than 100 small businesses and exporters.  

Speaking at the handover ceremony of the country’s first sustainable township development project, Saeed said the FTA was signed in December 2014 during President Abdullah Yameen’s administration and approved by Parliament in November 2017. However, it remained unimplemented throughout President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s term.  

“This agreement was ignored, but today we have done it,” Saeed said. “Eleven exporters have already registered, and we are now working to onboard hundreds of small businesses onto online platforms.”  

He added that the initiative follows a recent Alibaba workshop and aims to facilitate cross-border e‑commerce.  

From vision to reality: the Maldives launches its Sustainable Township Program, marking a new era of sustainable urban living and transformative national development.#ProjectAyla #EconomicDevelopment pic.twitter.com/ITIhNXkooK

— Ministry of Economic Development and Trade (@MoEDmv) December 11, 2025

Saeed said the FTA will boost investor confidence and strengthen economic ties between Maldives and China, while also empowering Maldivian businesses to expand internationally.  

The Economic Ministry said the agreement will enhance trade, reduce the cost of goods, and open new market access between the two countries. It is expected to create fresh business opportunities and support long‑term economic growth.  

The FTA officially came into effect on January 1 this year.