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DTIS, Volume I - Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF)

DTIS, Volume I - Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF)

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E. MINISTRY OF FISHERIES, AGRICULTURE, AND MARINE<br />

RESOURCES<br />

Notwithstanding the relative importance of the fishery sector, a comprehensive fishery<br />

policy for the Maldives is only now on the drawing board with the World Bank providing<br />

technical support. A draft bill has also been prepared. The role of the ministry has been<br />

confined to issuing licenses and monitoring implementation of the 1985 Fishery Law No<br />

5/87, now considered to be out of date. Support to agriculture and related activities are<br />

minimal.<br />

F. MINISTRY OF FINANCE AND TREASURY<br />

The Ministry of Finance and Treasury is responsible for determining the taxation<br />

structure of the Maldives and in particular for setting the customs tariff, an area that<br />

impacts heavily on trade policy. The ministry also operates a duty draw back scheme for<br />

investors who qualify for exemptions from import duties. Customs duties in the Maldives<br />

are set for the purpose of raising revenue rather than for protection or trade regulation. As<br />

previously noted, there is no income or corporate tax in the Maldives. Whilst the need for<br />

reform of the tax system is well accepted within the Ministry, there is no clear plan as to<br />

when and how this reform should be undertaken. The concept of an overarching Revenue<br />

Authority has also been discussed, but no decisions have been made or plans put in place<br />

to implement one.<br />

G. CUSTOMS SERVICES<br />

The Maldives Customs Service falls under the Ministry of Finance and Treasury. It<br />

operates at the main international airport, the port of Male’, and at some regional atolls.<br />

The service functions fairly efficiently and is structured towards client based services and<br />

trade facilitation. However, customs operations are severely constrained by limited<br />

physical infrastructure and technology with a lack of adequate equipment and poor<br />

computer network facilities.<br />

H. MINISTRY OF PLANNING AND NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT<br />

The Ministry of Planning and National Development is responsible for plan formulation<br />

and coordinating implementation. Trade-related issues have not featured in successive<br />

national development plans including the current sixth plan, which is about to come to an<br />

end. However there is now growing awareness of the need to incorporate trade in the<br />

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