By Khawaja Hamza
ISLAMABAD, Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan emphasized the need to transform the longstanding friendship between Pakistan and Maldives into a stronger economic partnership through enhanced bilateral trade, investment, tourism cooperation and business-to-business engagement.
Addressing the closing session of the Pakistan–Maldives Business Forum held in Islamabad on October 22, the Federal Minister highlighted the significant untapped potential for economic collaboration between the two countries. President of the Republic of Maldives Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, federal ministers, senior government officials, delegates and business representatives from both countries were present at the forum.
Welcoming the Maldivian President and his delegation, Jam Kamal Khan said that the completion of 60 years of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Maldives provided an important opportunity to strengthen economic ties and expand bilateral trade.
The Minister noted that Pakistan was well-positioned to meet the growing requirements of the Maldivian market, particularly in food products, pharmaceuticals, surgical instruments, textiles and construction-related goods. He highlighted Pakistan’s capacity to export rice, meat, halal food, processed agricultural products and fresh fruits, including mangoes, citrus, cherries, apricots, peaches and dates.
He also pointed to Pakistan’s emerging olive oil industry, expressing confidence that Pakistani olive oil could establish itself as a premium product in international markets over the coming years.
Highlighting opportunities in tourism and hospitality, the Minister appreciated Maldives’ internationally recognized standards of service and suggested greater collaboration between the two countries. He said Pakistan’s expanding tourism industry could benefit from Maldivian expertise in hospitality management, professional training and service quality.
Jam Kamal Khan further identified information technology, digital infrastructure, technology-enabled services, transport, port-related supply chains and the creative economy as promising areas for bilateral cooperation. He stressed that improved maritime and air connectivity would be essential for expanding market access and facilitating trade.
Outlining Pakistan’s ongoing economic reforms, the Minister said the government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, had introduced measures to improve the business environment, simplify tariffs, reduce industrial energy costs, expand export financing and streamline import and export procedures.
He highlighted the role of Pakistan Single Window in providing traders access to multiple government agencies through a unified digital platform. He also referred to reforms in food safety, trade dispute resolution, international compliance standards and Special Economic Zones aimed at strengthening investor confidence and improving Pakistan’s export competitiveness.
Encouraging Maldivian businesses to explore investment and sourcing opportunities in Pakistan, the Minister emphasized the importance of direct engagement between manufacturers, exporters and potential buyers.
He said the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) stood ready to facilitate business delegations and connect Maldivian companies with suitable Pakistani partners.
The Minister also extended a special invitation to his Maldivian counterpart and a business delegation to participate in Pakistan’s upcoming international food exhibition, noting that the previous edition had attracted more than 800 buyers from 80 countries.
Concluding his address, Jam Kamal Khan expressed confidence that the two countries could build on six decades of friendship to establish a mutually beneficial economic partnership.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to providing a supportive policy environment for businesses and strengthening cooperation with Maldives across trade, investment, tourism and emerging economic sectors.
The forum concluded with appreciation for the participation of distinguished guests, government representatives and business communities, expressing optimism that the discussions and engagements initiated during the event would contribute to stronger bilateral economic relations.
