EU invited for free trade agreement with Maldives

The European Union (EU) has been invited to form a free trade agreement by the Maldivian government.

While similar deals are being discussed with Hong Kong and China, last year, the Maldivian government invited the UK, US and Japan for similar deals.

Economic Minister, Mohamed Saeed told Sun Media today the government has now extended the invitation to the European Union as well. EU is a political and economic union of 28 member states that are located in Europe.

Minister Saeed said that the invitation was extended by saying that the Maldives is ready for negotiation at an appropriate time for them.

He said that no negative response has come from the other invitees, US, UK and Japan.

Last March, the Economic Minister said that an official visit was made to the UK to inform officials on economic opportunities and challenges in the Maldives.

As the Maldives is closing on the final phase of the free trade deal with China, the Maldivian government started the second round of talks with Hong Kong officials as well.