Pakistan and Maldives Target $200M Trade and Direct Flights
- Pakistan and the Maldives are targeting a bilateral trade volume of $200 million over the next two years, a substantial jump from the current $13 million baseline.
- Prime Minister Shehbaz announced that he has instructed the aviation ministry to prepare a feasibility study for direct flights between Pakistan and the Maldives.
- Trade between Islamabad and Malé currently stands at approximately $13 million, according to figures provided by Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan.
Pakistan and the Maldives are targeting a bilateral trade volume of $200 million over the next two years, a substantial jump from the current $13 million baseline. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Maldivian President Dr Mohamed Muizzu announced the ambitious economic target during a business forum in Islamabad, pointing to enhanced air and maritime links as critical drivers for the expanded partnership.
Direct Air and Maritime Links Target Trade Growth
Prime Minister Shehbaz announced that he has instructed the aviation ministry to prepare a feasibility study for direct flights between Pakistan and the Maldives. President Muizzu echoed the push for connectivity, stating that the national carrier Maldivian aims to establish a direct air route linking Malé and Karachi. In addition to passenger flights, both leaders emphasized the necessity of reliable direct shipping schedules connecting Karachi or Gwadar to Malé to support commercial targets.
Delighted to address the Maldives–Pakistan Business Forum today in Islamabad, as our two nations commemorate 60 years of diplomatic relations.My sincere gratitude to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) for gracing the Forum and highlighting the key priorities that will… pic.twitter.com/zW6g8b5ZBF
Trade between Islamabad and Malé currently stands at approximately $13 million, according to figures provided by Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan. President Muizzu noted that while political trust remains strong, the economic relationship has yet to reach its full potential. The two leaders agreed that scaling trade to $200 million requires moving beyond traditional buyer-seller arrangements into cold chain logistics, climate-adaptive agricultural technology, and modern food processing.
Infrastructure and Energy Investments Shape New Cooperation
President Muizzu highlighted multiple sectors for collaboration during his three-day visit, marking the first trip by a Maldivian president to Pakistan in 11 years as the nations observe the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations established in 1966. The Maldivian leader invited Pakistani pharmaceutical manufacturers, construction firms, and engineering companies to participate in healthcare infrastructure, land reclamation, and housing projects.
Energy transition forms another pillar of the bilateral agenda, as the Maldives imports diesel at high annual costs. President Muizzu stated that his administration aims to produce 33 per cent of national electricity requirements from renewable sources by 2028. Both nations also plan to explore Sharia-compliant finance instruments, halal value chains, and tourism cooperation to broaden economic ties.
Delegation Visit Scheduled to Implement Agreements
To transition the bilateral agreements into concrete action, Prime Minister Shehbaz announced that a delegation of Pakistani government officials and business representatives will travel to Malé within the next week or so. President Muizzu confirmed on social media that the Islamabad forum serves as an initial step toward realizing the two-year economic targets.