Islamabad and Malé Aim to Lift Trade to $200 Million Within Two Years

Pakistan and the Maldives have set a Pakistan Maldives trade target of $200 million to be reached within two years, a leap of more than fourteen times the current level of about $13.9 million. The target was announced in Islamabad on Wednesday during the state visit of Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, when the two sides exchanged 20 agreements and memorandums of understanding spanning trade, defence, health, education, technology and tourism.

FAKTA

• Trade target: $200 million within two years, up from about $13.9 million at present.
• Agreements: 20 exchanged in Islamabad on 21 October 2026.
• State visit: President Mohamed Muizzu’s visit runs from 20 to 22 October, the first by a Maldivian president to Pakistan in 11 years.
• Diplomatic milestone: Pakistan and the Maldives mark 60 years of diplomatic relations, established in 1966.
• Key sectors: defence, maritime security, information technology, health, education, agriculture, fisheries and tourism.

Pakistan Maldives trade target: from $13.9 million to $200 million

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced the target at a joint press appearance with President Muizzu at the Prime Minister’s House, saying the present trade volume was far below the two countries’ potential. He said both governments would work jointly to reach the goal and would follow up on implementation closely, so the understandings produced practical results.

Sharif also pointed to the human links behind the economic push. He noted about 250 Pakistani doctors and paramedical staff serve in the Maldives, and said Pakistan would provide more professionals as needed. Many Maldivian students have studied at Pakistani universities, particularly in health-related fields, a link both sides want to deepen.

What the 20 agreements cover

The agreements cover a broad sweep of cooperation. On the economic side, the Trading Corporation of Pakistan and the Maldives’ State Trading Organization agreed to work together on business links and the supply of essential commodities, while separate understandings cover agriculture, fisheries and commercial trade.

Technology featured prominently, with cooperation agreed on information technology, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and digital skills. Health cooperation covers drug regulation, social protection and the recruitment of medical staff, and a medical school project in the Maldives was also reported among the understandings.

Defence and maritime security cooperation was deepened, alongside police training, education, vocational training and civil-service collaboration. Aviation also featured, with understandings on resuming air travel between the two countries.

A visit 11 years in the making

The visit itself carries symbolic weight. No Maldivian president had visited Pakistan in 11 years, and the trip coincides with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations. Muizzu received a ceremonial welcome at the Prime Minister’s House, inspected a guard of honour, and took part in a tree-planting ceremony marking the anniversary.

Both leaders stressed the long friendship should now deliver trade, investment and practical cooperation. The coming months will show whether the ambitious $200 million target, and the 20 agreements behind it, deliver tangible results for both peoples.

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