Pakistan and the Maldives have agreed to increase bilateral trade from $13.9 million to $200 million within the next two years. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced the target during Maldivian President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s state visit to Pakistan.
The two countries signed 20 agreements and memorandums of understanding (MoUs) covering trade, education, healthcare, agriculture, information technology, defence and other sectors.
The three-day visit, from October 20 to 22, marks the first visit by a Maldivian president to Pakistan in 11 years. It also coincides with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations established in 1966.
Pakistan and Maldives Set $200 Million Trade Target
Speaking after the signing ceremony, Prime Minister Shehbaz said both countries were committed to raising bilateral trade from its current level of $13.9 million to $200 million within two years.
He described existing trade as far below the two countries’ economic potential and called for stronger commercial engagement.
President Muizzu endorsed the target, saying both sides wanted to expand trade, encourage investment and deepen economic cooperation.
The leaders also pledged to ensure the timely implementation of the agreements. Shehbaz said he would personally work with President Muizzu to turn the commitments into practical results.
20 Agreements Cover Key Areas of Cooperation
The agreements span a wide range of sectors, including:
- Information technology, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and digital skills.
- Healthcare, medical education and recruitment of health professionals.
- Defence, maritime security and police cooperation.
- Agriculture, fisheries and environmental protection.
- Higher education, technical training and youth development.
- Tourism, air connectivity and sports.
- Narcotics control and social protection.
- Cooperation between Pakistan’s Drug Regulatory Authority and the Maldives Food and Drug Authority.
The agreements aim to strengthen institutional links, promote technical cooperation and create opportunities for businesses and professionals in both countries.
Healthcare and Education Cooperation
Shehbaz highlighted Pakistan’s contribution to healthcare and education in the Maldives. He said around 250 Pakistani doctors and paramedics were serving in the country.
He also noted that many Maldivian students had studied at Pakistani universities and colleges, particularly in healthcare-related fields.
Pakistan expressed its readiness to provide additional medical professionals and technical expertise according to the Maldives’ needs.
President Muizzu said both countries would explore more medical education opportunities, including increased MBBS placements under Pakistan’s Technical Assistance Programme and internships for Maldivian medical graduates.
The two sides also agreed to expand opportunities for students, athletes, coaches and young professionals. Cooperation in entrepreneurship, leadership, innovation and emerging technologies was another priority.
Pakistan to Support Maldives’ Five Million Tree Target
Pakistan will support the Maldives’ plan to plant five million trees during the Maldivian government’s five-year term.
Shehbaz announced that Pakistan would provide 100,000 olive cuttings and 100,000 seeds of different plant species. The material will be supplied in due course through mutual understanding.
President Muizzu welcomed the support and highlighted the importance of cooperation on climate resilience, conservation, sustainable waste management and renewable energy.
He said climate change posed a direct challenge to the Maldives’ security, development and future.
Data Centres and Digital Technology
The leaders also discussed opportunities for cooperation in information technology and digital infrastructure.
Shehbaz welcomed the Maldives’ efforts to establish data centres and offered to share Pakistan’s technical experience in developing such facilities.
Both countries identified artificial intelligence, digitalization and future technologies as areas where cooperation could help prepare young people for emerging employment opportunities.
The agreements on digital skills and technology could also support institutional collaboration and knowledge-sharing.
Tourism, Business and Direct Flights
The Maldives-Pakistan Business Forum, scheduled for October 22, is intended to bring together business leaders, investors and innovators from both countries.
The forum aims to identify commercial partnerships and expand trade and investment opportunities.
President Muizzu also welcomed discussions on establishing direct flights between Pakistan and the Maldives. Improved air connectivity could support tourism and business travel.
He highlighted the potential for halal and Muslim-friendly tourism, noting the shared values and experiences of the two countries.
Leaders Discuss Palestine, Kashmir and Water Security
The two leaders also discussed regional and international issues.
Shehbaz reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent, sovereign Palestinian state in line with relevant United Nations resolutions.
President Muizzu reiterated the Maldives’ support for Palestinian statehood based on the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. He also commended Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to promote dialogue, de-escalation and humanitarian assistance amid the Middle East crisis.
Shehbaz briefed the Maldivian president on Pakistan’s position regarding Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir. He reiterated Islamabad’s support for a peaceful resolution in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
The prime minister also raised concerns about India’s decision to place the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance. He stressed that legally binding agreements must be respected and shared water resources should not be used as instruments of political pressure.
Maldives Calls for Stronger Regional Cooperation
President Muizzu emphasized the importance of cooperation through the United Nations, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and other multilateral forums.
He also reaffirmed the Maldives’ commitment to revitalizing the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).
Muizzu said regional dialogue, trust and mutual understanding were essential to addressing shared challenges. He expressed the Maldives’ readiness to work with SAARC members to create conditions for holding the next summit.
A New Chapter in Pakistan-Maldives Relations
The state visit marks an important milestone in six decades of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and the Maldives.
President Muizzu described the agreements as an opportunity to move bilateral ties into a new era of partnership, with greater emphasis on practical cooperation and benefits for both populations.
Both leaders stressed that the agreements must produce tangible results. Their implementation, along with stronger business engagement and expanded educational and technical exchanges, will be important to achieving the $200 million trade target.
The visit sets out an expanded framework for cooperation in economic development, technology, healthcare, climate action and regional engagement.
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