Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced plans to increase bilateral trade with the Maldives to $200 million over the next two years, as the two countries seek to strengthen their economic partnership.
Sharif made the announcement during a joint statement with Maldivian President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, who is currently on a state visit to Pakistan. Bilateral trade between the two countries currently stands at $13.9 million.
The Pakistani Prime Minister said discussions between the two leaders covered key regional and international issues, alongside opportunities to expand cooperation in several areas. He highlighted economic ties, defence, education and healthcare as sectors in which Pakistan is prepared to support the Maldives, including through training opportunities for Maldivians.
Sharif also pledged to prioritise the implementation of the 20 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) exchanged during the visit, stressing the importance of translating the agreements into practical cooperation.
Welcoming President Muizzu to Pakistan, Sharif described the visit as an honour and expressed confidence that bilateral relations would continue to strengthen.
He noted that despite the two countries’ longstanding history of cooperation, their economic ties had yet to reach their full potential. Expanding trade and accelerating the implementation of bilateral agreements would therefore be important priorities.
“We will work to strengthen trade ties and expedite the implementation of the MoUs. We stand ready to provide all possible assistance to meet the Maldives’ needs,” Sharif said.
The Maldives and Pakistan are marking 60 years of diplomatic relations, with both countries expressing their commitment to expanding cooperation across multiple sectors.
The two countries have a longstanding record of collaboration in agriculture, healthcare, infrastructure development and strategic affairs, providing a foundation for closer economic and diplomatic engagement in the years ahead.
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