Maldives, Qatar explore deeper economic and investment cooperation

The Maldives and Qatar have held high-level discussions on expanding economic and trade cooperation, with both countries exploring opportunities to increase investment and strengthen private-sector participation.
Finance and Public Enterprises Minister Hassan Zareer met his Qatari counterpart, Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari, in Doha during his visit to attend the 2026 Annual Meeting of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).
The talks focused on the existing economic relationship between the two countries and potential avenues for expanding cooperation in trade, investment and other areas of mutual interest.
A key area of discussion was the role of private businesses in driving economic activity, with the two ministers examining ways to create greater opportunities for private-sector participation in the Maldivian economy.
They also discussed frameworks that could encourage increased investment between the Maldives and Qatar, as the two countries seek to translate their longstanding diplomatic relationship into stronger commercial ties.
Both sides further exchanged views on cooperation that could contribute to sustainable economic growth and long-term development.
The meeting comes as the Maldives seeks to attract greater foreign investment while expanding economic partnerships with countries in the Gulf and other international markets.
Zareer has been in Doha for the AIIB Annual Meeting, which brings together finance ministers, government representatives, development institutions and other stakeholders to discuss infrastructure financing, investment and economic development.
The visit also comes less than four months after Zareer assumed office as Minister of Finance and Public Enterprises. He was appointed to the position by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu on June 8, succeeding Moosa Zameer.
Before his appointment, Zareer served as Commissioner General of Taxation and has more than two decades of experience in taxation, auditing, finance and compliance.
Since taking office, Zareer has held a series of discussions with international financial institutions and development partners as the government seeks financing for infrastructure, essential services and economic reforms.
Earlier this month, the Maldives signed a five-year trade finance framework with the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation under which up to USD 1.5 billion could be mobilised between 2026 and 2031 to support public and private-sector trade operations.
The government has also been seeking financing and investment for major infrastructure projects while pursuing reforms aimed at improving public finances and strengthening the role of the private sector.
Qatar and the Maldives maintain longstanding diplomatic relations, with cooperation extending across economic development, investment and other areas of mutual interest.
The Muizzu administration has identified attracting foreign investment and expanding economic and trade relations with international partners as key elements of its economic policy.
The latest discussions in Doha are expected to provide a platform for the two countries to explore further opportunities for Qatari investment in the Maldives and expand cooperation between businesses in both countries.