President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has called on international investors to explore the Maldives’ wide-ranging business opportunities, stressing that the country offers considerable potential despite its relatively small population. He identified tourism, industry, construction, education and healthcare as key sectors offering opportunities for foreign investment.
Speaking at the opening of the Maldives–Pakistan Business Forum in Islamabad, President Muizzu said the business forums organised during his overseas visits were intended to introduce international investors to the Maldives’ economic prospects and encourage greater foreign investment.
Highlighting the close economic links between the Maldives and Pakistan, the President emphasised the importance of improving transport connectivity to boost bilateral trade. He also referred to the target of increasing trade between the two countries to USD 200 million within the next two years, expressing confidence in Pakistan’s economic potential.
Addressing food security, President Muizzu said reliable and uninterrupted supply chains were particularly important for an island nation, describing them as a matter of national security rather than merely a commercial issue.
He urged potential investors not to overlook the size and potential of the Maldivian market, noting that the country serves a resident population of around 500,000 as well as more than two million tourists each year.
Acknowledging Pakistan’s existing role in supplying agricultural products to the Maldives, the President encouraged Pakistani businesses to consider investments in modern food processing and climate-related agricultural technologies.
Reflecting on six decades of diplomatic relations, President Muizzu said the longstanding partnership between the Maldives and Pakistan was built on mutual trust and confidence, adding that relations between the two countries had remained strong throughout this period.
President Muizzu Sees Direct Malé–Karachi Flights as Key to Stronger Economic Ties
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has voiced optimism that Maldivian, the national airline, will introduce direct flights between Malé and Karachi in the near future, saying improved air connectivity would strengthen economic cooperation and create fresh opportunities for trade and tourism.
Addressing the Maldives–Pakistan Business Forum in Islamabad, the President underscored the importance of stronger transport links in facilitating commercial exchanges and encouraging more visitors to travel between the two countries.
He also called on shipping companies, port operators and logistics providers to establish direct maritime links that are commercially sustainable. Airlines, aviation authorities and private sector stakeholders were similarly encouraged to work together to improve air connectivity.
President Muizzu said direct Malé–Karachi flights would make travel more convenient for people in both countries while helping expand business activities and tourism exchanges.
Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif also stressed the need to improve air links, particularly to facilitate visits by Pakistani businesspeople and tourists travelling to the Maldives for commercial purposes and holidays.
Prime Minister Sharif said Pakistan had already initiated efforts to strengthen transport connectivity and had instructed relevant authorities to expedite the process. He expressed hope that the necessary arrangements would be completed soon, opening the way for flight services involving Pakistan International Airlines and other carriers.
Both leaders highlighted improved connectivity as an important step towards expanding bilateral trade, strengthening tourism links and unlocking further opportunities for economic cooperation between the Maldives and Pakistan.
