Government Denies Plans for Duty-Free Zone with Sri Lanka

The Maldivian government has denied reports suggesting plans to establish a duty-free zone between Maldives and Sri Lanka.

Several Sri Lankan newspapers had reported ongoing discussions between the two countries about establishing a free economic zone similar to the European Union model. According to these reports, if successful, citizens of both countries would not require visas to establish businesses or seek employment in either nation.

However, Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed has dismissed these claims, stating that the government is not working on establishing any commercial duty-free zone with Sri Lanka. “This has neither been considered nor discussed so far,” the Minister said.

The reports emerged ahead of Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s scheduled official visit to the Maldives later this month.

Currently, there is significant movement between the two countries, with many Maldivians residing in Sri Lanka and a large number of Sri Lankan nationals working in the Maldives. Additionally, many Maldivian students pursue higher education in Sri Lankan institutions.