Pakistan and Maldives target $200 million trade through new MoUs

During a three-day state visit to Pakistan, Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have set an ambitious goal to increase bilateral trade from approximately $13 million to $200 million within two years.

The leaders exchanged 20 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) covering diverse sectors, including technology, cybersecurity, health, fisheries, agriculture, education, tourism, defense, and maritime security. To support these economic targets, Prime Minister Sharif has ordered a feasibility study for direct air connectivity between Pakistan and the Maldives, involving carriers such as Pakistan International Airlines. Additionally, officials emphasized the need for reliable maritime shipping links between Karachi or Gwadar and Malé.

In a separate meeting, Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, met with President Muizzu to discuss strengthening defense cooperation and regional security. This high-level engagement marks the first presidential visit from the Maldives to Pakistan in over a decade, coinciding with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations.