Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu called on Pakistani businesses to invest in the Maldives and develop long-term commercial partnerships during his address to the Maldives–Pakistan Business Forum 2026 in Islamabad.
Marking 60 years of diplomatic relations, Muizzu said bilateral economic ties had yet to reach their potential despite longstanding diplomatic trust and political goodwill. He noted Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s commitment to increasing bilateral trade to $200 million over the next two years.
Muizzu identified reliable supply chains as a national security priority for the Maldives, an island nation that welcomes more than two million tourists annually. He invited investment in cold-chain logistics, temperature-controlled storage, modern food processing and climate-adaptive agricultural technology.
The President also called for direct maritime routes to strengthen trade and said the national airline, Maldivian, aims to launch direct flights between Malé and Karachi soon to support trade and travel.
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Addressing healthcare needs across the country, Muizzu welcomed participation from certified Pakistani pharmaceutical manufacturers and healthcare providers to help meet growing demand for high-quality medical supplies.
He invited Pakistani construction and engineering companies to contribute expertise, technology and investment to housing, land reclamation and connectivity projects in the Maldives.
Muizzu also highlighted investment opportunities in renewable energy, citing the government’s target of generating 33 percent of the country’s electricity from renewable sources by 2028.
Pointing to demand for Shariah-compliant finance, halal products and halal tourism, he encouraged financial institutions and businesses to explore opportunities in Islamic financing, sukuk issuance and halal supply chains.
Muizzu urged investors to consider the Maldives a base for expanding products and services into international markets. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining a supportive regulatory environment for investors.
Sharif, who attended the forum alongside Maldivian and Pakistani entrepreneurs, also encouraged businesses from both countries to pursue the investment opportunities discussed.
