Eydhafushi Constituency MP Ahmed Saleem has stated that the prices of goods imported to Maldives from India are more expensive as there are no direct trade links between the two nations.
He stated in the Parliament session held today that the imports from India is limited due to lack of cargo ships between the two nations. He also stated that Indian products enter Maldivian market only when an Indian business grants such a concession.
Saleem said that if the supply of the good was slow and as such, under free market conditions, the prices of those goods rises. The only solution for this, Saleem said was to ensure that there was a steady supply and such a mechanism for continued supply.
Saleem stated that sometimes containers are boarded from India and transported via Sri Lanka route. However, in some situations, the shipments get held up Sri Lanka for many months.
Saleem, the owner of Redwave shops in Male’ stated that prices in his shops have always been made available at a lower cost and that this was applicable for Ramadan as well. He stated that should a constant trade route between India and Maldives be established, then issues facing the market would be minimized. He also stated that if this was implemented, then key Indian exports such as eggs, potatoes and onions would be available year round without major fluctuations to the prices.
Prices of goods from India are higher as there are no direct trade links: Saleem
