The Maldives and Pakistan have taken further steps to strengthen economic, trade and investment cooperation with the successful convening of the Maldives-Pakistan Business Forum 2026 in Islamabad, bringing together senior government officials, business leaders and investors from both countries.
The high-level forum, organised by the Ministry of Economic Development, Transport and Trade, was held at the Serena Hotel in Islamabad as part of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s ongoing state visit to Pakistan. President Muizzu and Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif attended the forum, underscoring the importance both governments place on expanding economic engagement and creating stronger links between the private sectors of the two nations.
The forum also marked the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Maldives and Pakistan, adding significance to discussions focused on building a more commercially dynamic partnership. Participants explored opportunities to expand bilateral trade, attract investment and draw on Pakistan’s experience and capabilities in advanced economic sectors that could contribute to the Maldives’ long-term development priorities.
Minister of Economic Development, Transport and Trade Mohamed Saeed highlighted the importance of establishing stronger direct connections between Maldivian and Pakistani businesses. He emphasised the value of building sustainable commercial partnerships capable of creating long-term benefits for both economies, while encouraging greater interaction between entrepreneurs, investors and business institutions.
Invest Maldives presented the country’s economic outlook and a range of investment opportunities available across the Maldives. The presentations highlighted the Government’s efforts to diversify the economy, strengthen the investment environment and encourage international businesses to participate in emerging and established sectors of the Maldivian economy.
Tourism featured prominently during the forum as one of the Maldives’ strongest areas for international investment and commercial cooperation. The Maldives has developed into one of the world’s leading luxury tourism destinations, supported by its distinctive one-island-one-resort model, internationally recognised hospitality brands and continuing expansion of tourism infrastructure across the atolls. Opportunities remain available for investment in new resorts, integrated tourism developments, tourism infrastructure, hospitality services and related industries, providing Pakistani investors and businesses with potential entry points into one of the Maldives’ most internationally competitive sectors.
The Ministry of Tourism provided participants with further insight into the country’s tourism industry and future opportunities, while the Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture presented prospects for cooperation and investment in fisheries, agriculture and related areas. These sectors remain important to the Government’s broader economic diversification agenda and provide further opportunities for businesses from both countries to develop mutually beneficial ventures.
Bank of Maldives also participated in the forum and shared information on opportunities to strengthen financial cooperation between the Maldives and Pakistan. Enhanced banking and financial links are expected to support greater business activity, investment flows and commercial transactions between companies operating in the two countries.
On the sidelines of the forum, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Ministry of Economic Development, Transport and Trade and the Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry. The agreement is expected to provide a stronger institutional framework for business cooperation, facilitate greater engagement between the private sectors and support future trade and investment initiatives.
The Maldives-Pakistan Business Forum reflects the Government of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s continued focus on broadening international economic partnerships, attracting productive investment and creating new opportunities for Maldivian businesses. With six decades of diplomatic relations providing a strong foundation, both countries are now seeking to translate their longstanding friendship into deeper economic cooperation and greater private-sector engagement.
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