Maldives-Türkiye Trade Pact Removes Duties on High-Tech Farming Equipment

The Maldives is set to modernize its agricultural landscape following the implementation of a Preferential Trade Agreement with Türkiye. The deal, which took effect on August 1, eliminates customs duties on a wide array of goods to lower costs for local producers and diversify farming methods. State Minister of Economic Development, Transport and Trade, Hussain Zamir, announced that the agreement provides tariff relief across 75 specific categories of goods. The initiative aims to make essential farming technology more accessible, allowing the Maldives to leverage Türkiye's advanced agricultural expertise. Minister Zamir highlighted that the pact specifically targets the tools needed for modern food production. Farmers can now import hydroponic systems, vertical farming equipment, and greenhouse materials from Türkiye completely free of duty. Additionally, the agreement covers the import of essential chemical treatments and pesticides required for crop maintenance. Beyond the immediate impact on food security and farming, the agreement is designed to strengthen the broader import sector. Currently, bilateral trade between the Maldives and Türkiye stands at approximately USD 70 million. The new pact extends tariff relief to 404 categories of Turkish exports entering the Maldives, with customs duties entirely removed for roughly half of those items. By removing these financial barriers, the government expects a surge in the availability of high-quality commodities for Maldivian citizens and a shift toward more sustainable, technology-driven farming practices across the atolls.