Current trade volume stands at US$13.9 million as leaders discuss expanding economic and diplomatic cooperation
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has announced plans to increase trade between the Maldives and Pakistan to US$200 million over the next two years.
He made the announcement during a joint statement with Maldivian President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, who is currently on a state visit to Pakistan.
Trade between the two countries currently stands at US$13.9 million.
Prime Minister Sharif said the two leaders had held discussions on a range of important issues, including regional and international developments. He also highlighted opportunities to strengthen economic ties and said Pakistan was ready to support the Maldives through training and capacity-building initiatives in defence, education and healthcare.
He further emphasised the importance of ensuring the effective implementation of the 20 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) signed between the two countries.
Welcoming President Muizzu to Pakistan, Prime Minister Sharif described the occasion as an honour and expressed confidence that relations between the two countries would continue to grow stronger.
The prime minister noted that the Maldives and Pakistan had a long history of cooperation, but their existing economic ties did not fully reflect the potential of their partnership. He stressed the need to expand trade and commercial engagement between the two countries.
“We will work to strengthen trade ties and expedite the implementation of the MoUs. We are ready to provide assistance to the Maldives to the extent possible to meet its needs,” Prime Minister Sharif said.
As the Maldives and Pakistan mark 60 years of diplomatic relations, the prime minister expressed hope that cooperation would expand across multiple sectors. He described the relationship between the two countries as a close, longstanding bond of brotherhood.
The Maldives and Pakistan have a history of cooperation in areas including agriculture, healthcare, infrastructure and strategic affairs. Both sides are seeking to build on these longstanding ties by broadening economic engagement and strengthening collaboration in areas of mutual interest.
