Pakistan and the Maldives have agreed to increase bilateral trade from $13 million to $200 million within two years, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Wednesday, as the two countries signed multiple agreements to expand cooperation across various sectors.
The agreements were signed during the three-day state visit of Maldivian President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, coinciding with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Addressing a joint press conference, PM Shehbaz said Pakistan would accelerate efforts to boost trade and provide technical assistance to the Maldives in information technology.
The memorandums of understanding cover defence, IT, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, healthcare, education, agriculture, fisheries, tourism, maritime security, social protection and environmental cooperation.
The two sides also agreed to enhance collaboration in vocational training, youth development, air connectivity, cultural exchanges and drug-trafficking prevention. Separate agreements were signed to promote trade in agricultural commodities, food and other products.
President Muizzu, who arrived in Islamabad on October 20, was accorded a guard of honour at the Prime Minister’s House before holding talks with PM Shehbaz and their respective delegations.
During the visit, the Maldivian president is also scheduled to meet President Asif Ali Zardari. A Pakistan-Maldives Business Forum will bring together business representatives from both countries to explore investment opportunities and strengthen commercial ties.