President says Maldives and Pakistan must build 'another 60 years of prosperity'

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has invited Pakistani businessmen to seize emerging investment opportunities in the Maldives and establish long-term trade partnerships with the country. 

He extended the invitation while addressing the Maldives - Pakistan Business Forum 2026 held in Islamabad on Thursday evening.

Reflecting on 60 years of diplomatic relations grounded in brotherhood and Islamic unity, the President said political trust between the two nations remains strong, but economic ties have yet to reach their full potential. He noted that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has pledged to increase bilateral trade to USD 200 million within the next two years.

“We have inherited 60 years of close relationship. Now we must build another 60 years of prosperity and progress,” he said.

Time has come to transform the strength of our friendship into a new era of trade, investment and shared prosperity — President Dr Muizzu #MaldivesPakistan https://t.co/A62CK6mw0l

— The President's Office (@presidencymv) October 22, 2026

The President highlighted the importance of resilient supply chains for an island nation welcoming more than two million tourists annually, inviting investments in cold-chain logistics, temperature-controlled warehouses, modern food processing and climate-adaptive agricultural technology. He described maritime connectivity as the “main nerve” of the economy and called for direct sea routes, announcing that Maldivian will soon launch direct flights between Malé and Karachi to expand trade and travel.

He also underscored the need for improved healthcare infrastructure and high-quality medical equipment, noting partnerships with prominent Pakistani pharmaceutical companies. The President further highlighted the government’s target of generating 33 percent of the Maldives’ electricity from renewable sources by 2028, pointing to opportunities in renewable energy systems.

President Dr @MMuizzu delivers keynote address at the Maldives-Pakistan Business Forum in Pakistan. The event brought together the business community from the two countries to enhance bilateral trade, promote investment and deepen economic cooperation between the two countries. #MaldivesPakistan

— The President's Office (@presidencymv) October 22, 2026

Concluding his remarks, President Muizzu urged investors to view the Maldives not only as an export destination but as a strategic platform to expand products and services into major international markets.

During the ceremony, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Ministry of Economic Affairs and the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) to enhance economic and trade cooperation. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif attended the forum alongside Maldivian and Pakistani businessmen, encouraging entrepreneurs from both countries to take advantage of the investment opportunities presented.