The Maldives pursues closer cooperation

The signing of a Free Trade Agreement last month between China and the Maldives, the first bilateral trade agreement between the two sides, is a landmark for the Indian Ocean nation. The two countries agreed to deepen cooperation in a wide range of areas, including marine environment, fisheries and tourism. The Maldives' main export is fish, primarily skipjack and yellow-fin tuna, either processed and canned or fresh sold at a premium, thanks to the sustainable pole-and-line fishing techniques used by Maldivian fishermen. From our (the Maldives') perspective, the free trade pact with China will help businesses that export fish products, by giving them the opportunity to expand exports to China at zero tariff.

But there is more to this relationship than mere commerce. The decision to pursue a free trade agreement was first mooted during President Xi Jinping's historic state visit to the Maldives in September 2014. This year marks the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the Maldives, and the two countries' relationship is more than just symbolic and thus endurable.

The first meeting of the China-Maldives Joint Committee on Marine Cooperation will be held soon. Law enforcement and security officials of the two countries will enhance exchanges and cooperation in anti-terrorism, anti-narcotics, personnel training, and other areas.