Maldives Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer engaged in discussions in Belgium aimed at reducing tariffs on Maldives tuna products, expressing optimism about potential tariff reductions.
Zameer attended the third European Union Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum in Brussels, emphasizing the EU’s significance as a key development partner for the Maldives. He saw the visit as an opportunity to highlight Maldives’ priorities and strengthen EU-Maldives relations.
Meetings with Nicola Procaccini, Chair of the Delegation for relations with countries in South Asia, and Paola Pampalono, Deputy Managing Director of the European External Action Service, focused on tariff reductions for Maldives tuna products and expanding cooperation between the Maldives and the EU.
Discussions also centered on facilitating visa-free travel to Europe for Maldivians. In a meeting with David McAllister, Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the European Parliament, Zameer explored deeper collaboration with the EU, including Schengen visa facilitation and security cooperation.
The existing 24% tariff on fish exports poses a challenge for the Maldives in the competitive EU market. Zameer highlighted the sustainable fishing practices of Maldivian fishermen, particularly the pole and line method for tuna fishing, expressing hope for tariff reductions.
The discussions during Zameer’s visit aimed to enhance bilateral ties between the Maldives and the EU, with a focus on trade, fisheries, and visa facilitation.
