Islamabad, October 22, 2026 — Pakistan and the Maldives have agreed to increase their bilateral trade to US$200 million within the next two years, signalling a renewed commitment to strengthening economic cooperation between the two OIC member states.

The target was announced during the state visit of Maldivian President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu to Pakistan, where the two countries exchanged 20 memorandums of understanding (MoUs) covering a range of areas, including trade, investment, agriculture, fisheries, tourism, healthcare, education and information technology.

Bilateral trade currently stands at approximately US$14 million, highlighting the significant scope for expanding commercial relations. Both governments have emphasized the importance of translating the agreements into practical outcomes through stronger business engagement and closer institutional cooperation.

Key priorities include expanding trade in agricultural commodities and food products, strengthening pharmaceutical and healthcare cooperation, improving air and maritime connectivity, and promoting private-sector partnerships. The two sides also underscored the importance of food security, tourism and investment as areas for future collaboration.

As part of efforts to facilitate commercial exchanges, the Maldives State Trading Organisation and Pakistan’s Trading Corporation of Pakistan agreed to cooperate on trade in agricultural commodities, food and other products.

The initiative reflects the broader potential for OIC member countries to deepen intra-OIC trade by identifying complementary economic strengths, improving connectivity and establishing practical mechanisms for business-to-business cooperation.

The success of the initiative will depend on the effective implementation of the agreements, the identification of commercially viable opportunities and sustained engagement between the two countries’ business communities.

Source: Associated Press of Pakistan / Pakistan Information Department | Dawn