PM calls for promoting Pak-Maldives trade, investment ties

ISLAMABAD-- Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has emphasized the need to develop a concrete action plan to promote trade and investment between Pakistan and Maldives.

He was addressing the Maldives-Pakistan Business Forum 2026 in Islamabad today.

The Prime Minister said the two countries have agreed to enhance their bilateral trade from the existing 13 million dollars to 200 million dollars in the next two years.

He said this target can be achieved through joint efforts. He announced that he will send a Pakistani delegation, comprising businesspeople and government functionaries, to the Maldives next week to find opportunities in this regard.

Highlighting the importance of connectivity, Shehbaz Sharif stressed the need for starting direct flights and maritime connections between the two countries. He said necessary instructions have been given by both governments in this regard.

The Prime Minister said the two countries will not be able to meet their targets without having a reliable direct shipping schedule from Karachi to Male or from Gwadar.

Speaking on the occasion, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu called for transforming the strength of bilateral friendship into a new era of trade, investment and shared prosperity.

He said the two countries can cooperate in the areas of healthcare and pharmaceuticals, infrastructure and urban development, construction, banking and finance, engineering and technology, agriculture, energy, food security, cold-chain logistics, temperature-controlled storage, modern food processing and climate-adaptive agricultural technology.

The President said trade requires connectivity and for an island nation, maritime connectivity is an economic lifeline for the people of Maldives. He encouraged shipping, port and logistics companies from both countries to explore direct and commercially viable connections between Pakistan and the Maldives. He also encouraged airlines, aviation authorities and private sector partners to explore direct air connectivity and increase frequencies by air between the two countries.

Mohamed Muizzu announced that Maldivian, the country's national airline, aims to establish a direct air link between Male and Karachi soon. He said this service will make travel easier for the people of the two nations, creating new opportunities for trade and tourism.