Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif stated that targets have been set to increase trade transactions between the Maldives and Pakistan to USD 200 million over the next two years, and to expedite and bring into practical shape the establishment of direct air travel and maritime cargo transport connections between the two countries.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the "Maldives-Pakistan Business Forum" held today in Islamabad as part of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's official visit to Pakistan, the country's Prime Minister stated that only a small trade of USD 13 million is currently taking place between the Maldives and Pakistan.
However, following discussions held with President Muizzu, the Prime Minister stated that both leaders have come to a clear agreement to increase that figure to USD 200 million within the next two years.
"My brother, President Dr. Muizzu, at my request, has fully agreed to take the trade conducted between the two countries from USD 13 million to USD 200 million within the next 2 years. Now is the opportunity. This is the time for us to achieve results practically," the Prime Minister said.
Emphasizing that connecting the two countries by sea and air is essential to achieving that trade target, Shehbaz stated that the absence of direct air services between Malé and Karachi or Islamabad is a major challenge at present.
Therefore, he stated that instructions have now been given to the Ministry of Aviation to immediately conduct studies to commence direct flights to Malé, including tourists and business people, via Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) or another airline of that country.
In addition, he stated that President Muizzu has instructed for a plan to be formulated to commence flights to Pakistan from the Maldivian national airline as well. Shehbaz also called upon the civil aviation authorities of both countries to collaborate and arrange the commencement of these flights as soon as possible.
In addition to air transport, highlighting the importance of connecting the two nations by sea for cargo transport, the Prime Minister stated that without a reliable shipping line operating directly from Karachi or Gwadar port to Malé, the trade target cannot be achieved.
Therefore, the Prime Minister requested that the relevant ministers of both countries hold discussions and formulate a shipping plan that can be implemented practically within a short period.
According to Shehbaz, approximately a week after President Muizzu returns to the Maldives, a delegation of senior Pakistani business people and government officials will visit the Maldives.
That delegation will include business people with experience in bringing goods to the Maldives and senior government officials. Requesting that the discussions held between the two leaders be converted into writing during that delegation's visit, Shehbaz stated that reaching robust agreements that can be implemented practically is much more important than ordinary MOUs.
Describing the official visit by a Maldivian President to Pakistan after nearly 11 years as a new chapter in the longstanding relations between the two countries, the Prime Minister gave assurance that it will become a visit that brings a revolutionary major change to the trade and economy of both nations.
