rki.news | Source: Dawn News
ISLAMABAD, Oct. 22 – Pakistan and the Maldives are moving towards establishing direct air links as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Maldivian President Dr Mohamed Muizzu pledged to strengthen connectivity and increase bilateral trade to $200 million within two years.
Addressing the Pakistan-Maldives Business Forum in Islamabad on Thursday, Sharif said he had instructed the civil aviation authorities to conduct a feasibility study for direct flights between the two countries. He also called for reliable shipping links between Karachi or Gwadar and Malé to facilitate trade.
President Muizzu announced that Maldivian, the country’s national airline, aims to establish a direct air link between Malé and Karachi soon. He said the service would support tourism, business and economic cooperation.
The visit marks the first by a Maldivian president to Pakistan in 11 years and coincides with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, established in 1966.
Sharif said bilateral trade currently stands at approximately $13 million. Both leaders agreed to target an increase to $200 million over the next two years.
Muizzu highlighted opportunities for cooperation in agriculture, food security, pharmaceutical supplies, healthcare, construction, renewable energy, Islamic finance, tourism, information technology and education.
He also encouraged Pakistani businesses to develop long-term partnerships with Maldivian companies, stressing that improved air and maritime connectivity would be essential to expanding trade and investment.
