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Maldives and Pakistan aim to increase bilateral trade from USD 13.9 million to USD 200 million within two years, as the two countries sign 20 MoUs to strengthen cooperation across key sectors.
Mariyam Adheela
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu meets Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar during his official visit to Pakistan -- photo: President Office
Islamabad, Pakistan — Maldives and Pakistan have set a target of increasing annual bilateral trade to USD 200 million within the next two years, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced.
Speaking at a joint press briefing in Islamabad following official talks with President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, who is on an official visit to Pakistan, Sharif said the current annual trade volume of USD 13.9 million remains far below the economic potential of both countries.
He said the two governments were committed to expanding economic ties and exploring new opportunities for trade and investment.
During the visit, Maldives and Pakistan signed 20 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) covering areas including trade, business, defence, healthcare and digital infrastructure.
Sharif said he would personally monitor the implementation of the agreements to ensure that the commitments made by both countries translate into tangible results.
The agreements include Pakistan’s provision of technical assistance for establishing data centres in Malé and the atolls, as well as support for Maldivian students pursuing medical education at Pakistani universities.
The initiatives are expected to broaden cooperation beyond existing trade relations and strengthen collaboration in key development sectors.
Sharif also highlighted the two countries’ shared positions on regional and international matters, praising the Maldives’ stance on Palestine.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state in accordance with United Nations resolutions.
President Muizzu’s visit marks the first visit to Pakistan by a Maldivian head of state in more than a decade. The last such official visit was made by former President Abdulla Yameen in 2015.
The visit also coincides with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Maldives and Pakistan, marking six decades of formal ties between the two countries.
