Key Takeaways
- Pakistan and Maldives signed 20 MoUs to enhance bilateral trade.
- The trade target is set to increase from $13.9m to $200m in two years.
- Maldives President Dr Mohamed Muizzu visited Pakistan for three days.
Pakistan and the Maldives have agreed to significantly boost their bilateral trade to $200 million within the next two years, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced. This ambitious target was set during the three-day state visit of the Maldives President, Dr Mohamed Muizzu, to Pakistan.
The two countries signed 20 memorandums of understanding (MoUs) to expand cooperation across various sectors, including economic and trade relations, strategic defence, and education and health. These agreements are expected to leverage the economic potential of both nations.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the current trade value of $13.9 million, which he said represents only a fraction of the countries' economic potential. He emphasized the need for joint efforts to achieve the new target.
The visit by President Muizzu, the first by a Maldivian president in 11 years, coincided with the 60th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations. The visit aimed to strengthen ties and explore new avenues for cooperation.
During the discussions, the two leaders agreed to focus on healthcare and education, with a particular emphasis on the education of Maldivian students at Pakistani universities and colleges. Prime Minister Shehbaz also mentioned the contributions of Pakistani doctors and paramedics in the Maldives.
The MoUs signed during the visit cover a wide range of sectors, including healthcare, education, defence, and training. These agreements are expected to foster mutual benefits and enhance the overall relationship between the two countries.
The Prime Minister expressed his commitment to working together to achieve the new trade target, stating, 'We will do our best jointly to raise this bilateral trade quantum from 13 million dollars to 200 million dollars in the next two years.'
We will do our best jointly to raise this bilateral trade quantum from 13 million dollars to 200 million dollars in the next two years.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Prime Minister of Pakistan
