The Certificate of Origin required for goods exported to China under the Free Trade Agreement between the Maldives and China can now be submitted through the Customs Portal. Customs stated that this new process will begin tomorrow.
Customs said that from August 15, applications for Certificates of Origin for goods exported to China under the China-Maldives Free Trade Agreement can be submitted online. The certificates can be applied for through the Customs Portal, and applicants will be notified through the portal when the certificate is approved.
Additionally, payment for the certificate can be made through the portal, and a printed copy of the certificate will be provided once payment is made.
The Maldives signed a Free Trade Agreement with China in 2014. While the parliament approved the implementation of this agreement in 2017, it was put on hold following the change of government in 2018. However, after President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu took office, work has begun to implement this agreement.
As the China-Maldives Free Trade Agreement comes into effect from January 1, the government says it will bring many benefits to the Maldives.
Under this agreement, Maldivian fishermen can now export fish products to one of the world’s largest markets without paying duties. This has opened up opportunities for processing and exporting Maldivian fishery products and other goods in the Maldives, increasing the potential for foreign currency earnings. It has also paved the way for increasing productivity and expanding the processing sector in the Maldives.
Furthermore, Maldivian service providers can now access the Chinese market and provide services. The agreement has facilitated bringing Chinese investments to the Maldives, increasing Chinese investments in the country. It has also provided opportunities for investors to invest in China.
