The first working group meeting of joint feasibility studies on the China-Maldives Free Trade Area was held in Male, capital of Maldives, on February 4-5 2015. The two sides exchanged views on such issues as the working mechanism and the division of labor of both sides of joint feasibility studies, the framework of research reports and the main contents and the new working arrangements of the working group, and reached agreement on the document of the responsibility range of guiding both sides to research work.
China and Maldives are traditionally friendly neighbors. The bilateral relations have always maintained smooth and sound development since the establishment of diplomatic ties, setting a good example for countries to treat each other as equals and develop friendly cooperation. At present, the relationship between China and Maldives enjoys smooth development, the two sides have frequent high-level exchanges and enhanced political mutual trust, trade and economic links are continuously developed and trading scale is constantly expanded. In 2014, the bilateral trade volume surpassed US$100 million, reaching US$104 million, with an increase of 6.7% year on year and cooperation in various fields was constantly improved.
The convening of the first working group meeting of joint feasibility studies on the China-Maldives Free Trade Area marked the official launch of the construction of the free trade area, which will bring new opportunities for the development of bilateral relations.