DTIS, Volume I - Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF)

• Coordinate work of the national SAFTA Committee and represent the Maldives
on the Committee on Economic Cooperation (CEC) and Committee of Experts
(COE) on SAFTA of SAARC.
• Support negotiations on graduation and monitor the trade impact of LDC
graduation
• Conduct international trade negotiations (multilateral, regional and bilateral)
• Manage the Integrated Framework (IF) through the National Steering Committee
• Support capacity building in government and private sector on international trade
matters including coordination of trade related technical assistance with
international organizations
• Serve as national focal point for WTO, UNCTAD, WIPO, ITC, and UNIDO, and
on trade related issues with other international organizations such as World Bank,
UNDP, IMF etc.
• Serve as national contact point on standards, metrology, testing, quality and
intellectual property systems
• Support the implementation of the EU National indicative programme
• Monitor the industrial master plan and provide support services for the business
Park in Hulhumale
• Provide guidance on e-commerce
The ITPD is understaffed in relation to its enormous policy responsibilities. It has no
research facility and very little scope for any in-depth policy analysis. Furthermore, the
training and experience, including on trade negotiations of its professional staff is limited.
Though officials and staff are motivated, the complexity of the roles that they must fill
and the limited resources that can be drawn upon means that most are generalists rather
than specialists. This often leads to delay before advice and action can be forthcoming.
C. FOREIGN INVESTMENT SERVICES BUREAU (FISB)
There are two main investment categories in the Maldives: tourism and general
investments. The Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation (MTCA) services tourism
investments (foreign and local) while all other investments (also foreign and local) are
serviced by the FISB.
The FISB is an autonomous unit of MEDT with its own supervisory board (the Foreign
Investment Board, FIB). The bureau is the first stop for investors and has two main
responsibilities. It is both the government’s service facility for investors and regulatory
body for foreign investment.
As a service facility, the main functions and services that are provided by FISB include:
• Marketing and promotion of the Maldives as an investment destination.
• Providing information and guidance on the application process for investors.
• Issuing licenses for investors to conduct business operations in the Maldives.
• Reviewing and approving applications for import duty exemptions by investors
• Ensuring compliance with various regulations, e.g., labour.
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