His Excellency President Dr Mohamed Muizzu addressed the Maldives–Pakistan Business Forum 2026 held in Islamabad, calling upon Pakistani businesses to seize emerging commercial opportunities and forge long-term partnerships with the Maldives.
Marking 60 years of diplomatic relations rooted in fraternal affection and Islamic solidarity, the President noted that whilst diplomatic trust and political goodwill remain steadfast, bilateral economic engagement has yet to reach its full potential. He highlighted that the Pakistani Prime Minister His Excellency Shehbaz Sharif had committed to enhance bilateral trade to US$200 million over the next two years.
Speaking at the forum, the President described resilient supply chains as vital to national security for an island nation that welcomes over two million tourists annually, inviting investments in cold-chain logistics, temperature-controlled storage, modern food processing, and climate-adaptive agricultural technology. Emphasising maritime links as an economic lifeline, the President called for direct sea corridors and announced that the national airline, Maldivian, aims to establish direct flights between Malé and Karachi soon to boost trade and travel.
Highlighting healthcare infrastructure needs nationwide, the President welcomed certified Pakistani pharmaceutical manufacturers and healthcare providers to help meet the growing demand for high-quality medical supplies.
Speaking on the significant physical transformation of the Maldives through housing, land reclamation and connectivity projects, President Dr Muizzu invited construction and engineering firms to firms to become partners in this transformation by bringing their expertise, technology, investments and to build and scale together. The President also emphasised the Maldives’ commitment to generating 33 per cent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2028 and highlighted the opportunities to invest in renewable energy systems.
Speaking on the demand for Shariah-compliant finance, halal products and halal tourism, the President urged financial institutions and enterprises to leverage opportunities in Shariah-compliant financing, sukuk issuance, and halal value chains.
Concluding his remarks, the President urged investors to view the Maldives not merely as an export destination, but as a strategic platform to scale products and services into wider international markets, reaffirming the Government's commitment to providing a supportive, investor-friendly regulatory environment.