Islamabad, October 22, 2026: Pakistan and the Maldives have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen economic and trade cooperation, promote investment, expand business linkages and encourage joint ventures between the two countries.
The MoU was signed by Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) President Atif Ikram Sheikh and the Maldives’ Minister of Economic Development during the Pakistan-Maldives Business Forum.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Maldivian President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and senior officials from both countries attended the forum.
Atif Ikram Sheikh described the agreement as a significant milestone in bilateral relations, saying it would open a new chapter of economic and trade cooperation between Pakistan and the Maldives.
He said the two countries were committed to transforming their longstanding friendship into a strong commercial partnership through direct engagement between their business communities.
Addressing the forum, the FPCCI president highlighted significant opportunities to increase bilateral trade and investment, particularly in tourism, fisheries, agriculture, food products and construction.
He said the private sectors of both countries could support each other across various industries, creating new avenues for economic activity and mutually beneficial partnerships.
Sheikh said the FPCCI was committed to strengthening direct business-to-business links between Pakistan and the Maldives. He added that exchanges of trade delegations and the promotion of joint ventures would be encouraged to increase bilateral trade and investment.
He stressed that the MoU would not remain merely a formal document but would be translated into practical initiatives and measurable economic outcomes.
Stronger cooperation between the private sectors of the two countries, he said, would not only boost trade and investment but also create new employment opportunities.
