Minister of Economic Development, Transport and Trade, Mohamed Saeed has announced that the implementation of the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) signed between the Maldives and Turkiye will allow Maldivian fish products to reach a consumer base of more than 85 million people.
In a social‑media post released shortly after the PTA entered into force, Minister Saeed described the accord as a significant milestone in bilateral economic ties, crediting the shared vision of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for the breakthrough.
He highlighted that duties will be waived on 75 listed items, thereby lowering barriers for Maldivian fisheries and granting local businesses easier access to Turkish goods.
“The agreement paves the way for our fish exporters to tap into a vast market, while also giving Maldivian consumers and firms affordable access to Turkish products,” he wrote, adding that future work will continue to deepen trade cooperation.
Negotiations for the PTA began during President Muizzu’s official visit to Türkiye in late 2023. Both governments completed the requisite legal procedures and exchanged final written notifications to bring the deal into effect from 1 August 2026.
The government views the treaty as a strategic bridge to the broader European market, noting that the agreement effectively opens a 90‑million‑consumer market for Maldivian trade. Beyond alleviating pressure on fish exports, the PTA is expected to reduce trade barriers, strengthen bilateral relations, and stimulate increased commerce between the two nations.
The government anticipates that Maldivian fish exporters will expand their footprint in Turkiye, while Maldivian citizens and businesses will benefit from more competitively priced Turkish imports.