Maldives and Pakistan Leaders Push for Direct Shipping, Aim to Boost Bilateral Trade to $200 Million

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have expressed a mutual desire to launch direct shipping services between the Maldives and Pakistan. The announcement was made during the Maldives-Pakistan Business Forum held in Islamabad on Wednesday, as part of President Muizzu's ongoing official visit to Pakistan. Speaking at the forum, President Muizzu said discussions are underway to expand bilateral trade to $200 million within the next two years. He stressed the importance of establishing robust transport links to facilitate trade, noting that as an island nation, maritime connectivity is a vital economic lifeline. He called on shipping, port, and logistics companies in both countries to establish direct and commercially viable shipping routes. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif echoed the sentiment, stating that direct sea and air links are essential to achieve the $200 million trade target. He urged relevant ministers to work together and develop a practical shipping plan for implementation within a short timeframe. Shehbaz also revealed that a high-level delegation of Pakistani business leaders and government officials would visit the Maldives within a week of President Muizzu's return. On aviation, Shehbaz said no direct flights currently operate between the two countries, but efforts are underway to introduce them. He confirmed that he has instructed the Ministry of Civil Aviation to facilitate the first direct flight to the Maldives via Pakistan International Airlines or another Pakistani carrier, carrying tourists and business travellers. He added that President Muizzu had informed him that Maldivian, the national airline, would work to launch direct flights between Karachi and the Maldives.