President Muizzu invites Pakistani businesses to invest in Maldives, aims for $200 million trade

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has called on Pakistani businesses to seize the growing opportunities in the Maldives, urging them to establish long-term trade ties with the island nation. Speaking at the Maldives-Pakistan Business Forum 2026 in Islamabad on Wednesday evening, President Muizzu highlighted the 60-year-old diplomatic relationship between the two countries, built on brotherhood and Islamic solidarity, and stressed that economic ties have yet to reach their full potential. President Muizzu noted that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has pledged to increase bilateral trade to $200 million within the next two years. “We have inherited 60 years of close relations. Now we must build another 60 years of prosperity and progress,” the President said. He emphasized the importance of a robust supply chain for the Maldives, a nation that hosts over two million tourists annually, and invited investments in cold chain logistics, temperature-controlled warehousing, modern food processing, and climate-smart agricultural technology. He also called for strengthening maritime connectivity and announced plans to launch direct flights between Malé and Karachi via Maldivian, the national airline, to further boost trade and travel. In the health sector, the President pointed to a growing demand for high-quality medical equipment and invited renowned Pakistani pharmaceutical companies to invest. He also highlighted the government’s target of generating 33% of electricity from renewable sources by 2028, presenting opportunities in renewable energy systems. Concluding his remarks, President Muizzu urged investors to see the Maldives not just as an export destination but as a strategic hub for expanding products and services to major international markets. During the forum, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Economic Ministry and the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) to enhance economic and trade cooperation. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also addressed the forum and encouraged businesses from both countries to capitalize on the investment opportunities.