Pakistan, Maldives exchange 20 MoUs to boost trade to $200m

Pakistan and the Maldives have agreed to expand bilateral trade to $200 million within two years as the two countries exchanged 20 memorandums of understanding (MoUs) across a range of sectors during Maldivian President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s official visit to Islamabad.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed President Muizzu at the Prime Minister’s House, where the visiting leader received a Guard of Honour. The visit, the first by a Maldivian president to Pakistan in 11 years, is expected to give fresh momentum to bilateral relations that have developed over six decades.

Shehbaz and Muizzu attended a ceremony for the exchange of 20 MoUs and agreements aimed at expanding cooperation across various fields. The documents cover economic, technological, security, healthcare, education, agriculture, social development and cultural ties.

The agreements include cooperation in information technology, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence (AI), as well as drug control and social protection. The two sides also agreed to strengthen collaboration between the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan and the Maldives Food and Drug Authority.

Other MoUs cover the recruitment of medical professionals, defence cooperation, maritime security, agriculture and fisheries. The countries also exchanged documents on technical and vocational training, higher education, youth and sports development, air connectivity, fine arts, culture and heritage, and cooperation between their civil service commissions.

The agreements are intended to translate longstanding diplomatic relations into practical cooperation and create opportunities for institutions, businesses and professionals in both countries.