The Maldives is ready to work with Pakistan to expand trade and achieve progress in the business sector, Minister of Economic Development, Transport and Trade Mohamed Saeed said today.
Speaking at the Maldives-Pakistan Business Forum, which began today in Pakistan, Saeed thanked the Pakistani government for its hospitality and support. He said the leaders of both countries had held extensive discussions on building stronger economies together.
Saeed welcomed Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s decision to increase bilateral trade to USD 200 million, saying the move would create further opportunities for economic growth in the Maldives. He reiterated the Maldives’ readiness to work with Pakistan to expand trade and strengthen business ties.
“Today’s forum will help identify investment opportunities in the Maldives. Presentations will also provide information on key centres and various sectors. Through this forum, we seek to strengthen business connections between our business communities,” Saeed said.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that, following discussions between the two sides, a decision had been made to increase bilateral trade to USD 200 million over the next two years.
“With full determination, I wish to announce today that over the next two years, we will work together with renewed strength and commitment to increase trade between our two countries from USD 13.9 million to USD 200 million,” Sharif said.
During President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s ongoing state visit to Pakistan, the two countries exchanged 20 agreements on Wednesday covering areas including cybersecurity, combating drug smuggling, healthcare cooperation, environmental protection, social security and defence.
