The China-Maldives FTA: An Unbalanced Deal That Falls Short of Maldivian Aspirations

In an increasingly interconnected world, free trade agreements (FTAs) are not just instruments of economic policy—they serve as blueprints for a nation’s future, shaping growth and creating pathways to opportunity. When the Maldives signed its FTA with China in 2017, there was hope that this small island nation could harness the might of a global economic powerhouse to foster growth, create jobs, and build a more diversified and resilient economy. However, as the Maldivian government now prepares to enforce the FTA by the end of September 2024, it becomes crucial to reconsider whether this agreement genuinely aligns with the nation's aspirations or if it disproportionately favors Chinese interests at the expense of Maldivian growth.