Joint Statement on the 3rd Meeting of the Maldives - United States Trade and Investment Framework Agreement Council

Washington, D.C. – Delegations from the governments of the United States and the Republic of Maldives met Wednesday in Washington, D.C. for the 3rd meeting of the United States-Maldives Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) Council.

The meeting was co-chaired by Mohamed Saeed, Maldivian Minister of Economic Development and Trade, and Brendan Lynch, Assistant United States Trade Representative (AUSTR) for South and Central Asia, and joined by wide interagency representation from both governments.

Minister Saeed and AUSTR Lynch shared their ambition to deepen economic relations and noted the important role of bilateral engagement in diversifying trade and investment ties for inclusive, sustainable growth. The Maldivian side presented the economic vision of the President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s administration and sought the U.S. government’s support. Both sides highlighted progress on issues related to the protection and enforcement of intellectual property and noted the importance of providing regulatory transparency to enhance the investment climate.

Maldivian side emphasized its support for digital content creators, artists, and entrepreneurs to capitalize on global commercial platforms and payment system solutions, and highlighted investment opportunities in the financial, maritime, real estate, and tourism sectors. Both delegations committed to increase cooperation on worker rights, digital trade, and environmental sustainability to ensure that enhanced bilateral trade and investment benefits workers and businesses of all sizes in both the United States and the Maldives.
The governments discussed the Maldives’ ongoing economic reforms and efforts to improve the business climate in order to increase trade and incentivize investment. USTR welcomed engagement with the Maldives on advancing worker centered trade, including on the implementation of its recently ratified Industrial Relations Act and Occupation Safety and Health Act and advancing labor rights for migrant workers. USTR congratulated the Maldives on implementing a majority of its commitments under the World Trade Organization’s Agreement on Trade Facilitation, and encouraged working with donors, including the United States, on implementation of the outstanding provisions.

The United States and the Maldives committed to intensify the productive engagement under the TIFA, with a view to further strengthen bilateral economic ties for mutual benefit.

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