Muizzu bats for Maldives-China FTA signed in 2014, says implementation will benefit economy

President Mohamed Muizzu of the Maldives backed a free trade agreement between Male and Beijing on Monday, three weeks after returning from a state visit to China. He claimed the agreement will boost the economy of his nation. The Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between China and the Maldives was not implemented by Muizzu's predecessor, pro-Indian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, under the government of pro-China President Abdulla Yameen in December 2014. In his first speech as president on Monday, Muizzu stated, "The implementation of the FTA signed by Maldives with People's Republic of China will provide a myriad number of benefits…