Pakistan and Maldives Aim to Grow Trade from $13.9 Million to $200 Million

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the Maldives mark 60 years of diplomatic relations this year, with trade standing at about $13.9 million. Their new $200 million target would increase trade from $13.9 Million to $200 Million.

Pakistan and the Maldives have agreed to raise trade to $200 million within two years. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu announced the goal in Islamabad after both countries signed 20 pacts covering health, education and defense.

Muizzu arrived on October 20 for a state visit lasting until October 22, the first by a Maldivian president to Pakistan in 11 years. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met him during the visit to discuss trade, investment, education, tourism and climate cooperation.

Sharif held talks with Muizzu in Islamabad on Wednesday. Both governments signed 20 memoranda of understanding, known as MoUs, and agreements before the leaders announced the trade target at a joint press appearance.

20 New Pacts Cover Health, Tourism, Technology, and Defense

The documents cover health, education, tourism, fisheries, agriculture, information technology, policing and defense, among other areas. MoUs record plans for cooperation between the two sides.

Sharif said he would personally work with Muizzu to put the agreements into practice. The Maldivian president stressed the need for results that benefit people in both countries.

Pakistan offered expertise in data centers and further medical support. Sharif said about 250 Pakistani doctors already serve in the Maldives, alongside other medical staff.

Sharif also pledged 100,000 olive cuttings and 100,000 seeds of various plants to support the Maldives’ program to plant five million trees.

Business Forum Comes Next as Direct Flight Talks Continue

The Maldives-Pakistan Business Forum is scheduled for October 22. Muizzu said the event would connect business leaders and investors seeking trade and investment partnerships.

Direct flights also remain under discussion. Muizzu said air links would support tourism, including halal and Muslim-friendly travel.

Both countries also plan to expand youth exchanges, scholarships and training. Muizzu outlined discussions on more places for Maldivian students at Pakistani medical colleges and possible internships for Maldivian medical graduates.

The leaders repeated their support for an independent Palestinian state. Sharif also raised Kashmir and criticised India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, the two countries’ water-sharing agreement.

Muizzu backed efforts to revive the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation, a group which promotes cooperation among South Asian countries.