Pakistan and the Maldives have agreed to increase bilateral trade volume to $200 million within two years, according to Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
The announcement followed high-level discussions during President Mohamed Muizzu’s state visit to Islamabad. Current trade between the two countries stands at approximately $13 million.
The target forms part of broader efforts to expand economic links. The two sides also signed 20 agreements covering defence, education, health, agriculture and other fields.
Pakistan has pledged to provide 200,000 saplings and seeds to support the Maldives’ five-million-tree planting initiative. Additional cooperation is expected in agricultural products through state trading entities.
Direct air connectivity was discussed as a means to facilitate trade, tourism and people-to-people contacts. Maldivian national airline Maldivian is expected to explore routes to Karachi.
Officials noted that expanded trade could include fisheries products, agricultural goods and services. Capacity-building and technical exchanges were also highlighted as supporting measures.
The visit marks a significant step in relations after more than a decade without a Maldivian presidential trip to Pakistan. Both leaders expressed commitment to practical implementation of the new agreements.
Economic cooperation remains a priority for the Maldives as it seeks to diversify partnerships beyond traditional partners. Implementation will require follow-up by trade and foreign ministries on both sides.
