President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced plans to increase bilateral trade between the Maldives and Pakistan to USD 200 million within the next two years, highlighting major investment opportunities across tourism, infrastructure, healthcare and other key sectors.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Maldives–Pakistan Business Forum in Islamabad, President Muizzu encouraged Pakistani businesses to explore the Maldives’ expanding investment landscape, emphasizing that the country’s economic potential extends far beyond its relatively small population.
The President said discussions had taken place on achieving the USD 200 million trade target, expressing confidence in Pakistan’s economic growth potential and the opportunities for stronger commercial cooperation between the two nations.
He identified tourism, industry, construction, education and healthcare as promising sectors for foreign investment.
Highlighting the Maldives’ growing consumer market, President Muizzu said the country should not be viewed solely as a nation of approximately 500,000 residents, noting that it welcomes more than two million international tourists annually.
The President also emphasized that food security remains a national priority, particularly because the Maldives depends heavily on international supply chains.
“For the Maldives, food security is not merely a commercial concern. As an island nation, maintaining an uninterrupted supply chain is a matter of national security,” he stated.
Noting that Pakistani agricultural products are already available in Maldivian markets, President Muizzu invited Pakistani investors to pursue partnerships in modern food processing and climate-resilient agricultural technologies.
He also called for stronger maritime and transport connectivity, describing reliable shipping networks as essential for expanding bilateral trade.
The President encouraged shipping companies, port operators and logistics businesses from both countries to establish direct, commercially viable transport links between Pakistan and the Maldives.
Reflecting on six decades of diplomatic relations, President Muizzu said the Maldives and Pakistan have built a partnership founded on mutual trust, confidence and longstanding friendship.
The Maldives and Pakistan established diplomatic relations on 26 July 1966, with this year’s 60th anniversary providing an opportunity to deepen economic cooperation and expand investment partnerships.
