ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced plans to introduce direct flights from Karachi and Gwadar to the Maldives and send a high-level trade delegation to Malé to strengthen economic cooperation between the two countries.
Addressing the Pakistan-Maldives Business Forum on Thursday, the prime minister said Pakistan and the Maldives had agreed to increase bilateral trade from the existing $13 million to $200 million within two years.
He said a delegation comprising Pakistani businessmen, relevant federal ministers and government officials would visit the Maldives to explore opportunities for trade and investment.
The prime minister also directed the Aviation Ministry to prepare a feasibility study for direct flights between Karachi and Malé and between Gwadar and Malé, describing improved air connectivity as essential for expanding bilateral trade and tourism.
Welcoming Maldivian President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, Shehbaz Sharif said his visit would help strengthen longstanding relations and open new opportunities for economic cooperation.
He expressed confidence that closer engagement between the business communities of both countries would contribute to achieving the proposed trade target.
Speaking at the forum, President Muizzu called for a new era of economic cooperation between Pakistan and the Maldives, emphasising the importance of expanding commercial ties.