Maldives and Bangladesh Target Trade Growth via Dhaka Business Summit
- The Maldives and Bangladesh are in early talks to host a bilateral business summit in Dhaka to boost cross-border investment and economic cooperation.
- High Commissioner Shiuneen Rasheed presented the proposal to Bangladeshi President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, who welcomed closer business and investor linkages.
- Discussions also covered expanding direct Malé-Dhaka flights, tourism, trade, logistics, cultural exchange, expatriate contributions, medical education placements, and reviving SAARC cooperation.
The Maldives and Bangladesh have initiated preliminary discussions to host a bilateral business summit in Dhaka aimed at accelerating cross-border investment and expanding economic cooperation.
As per the As per the High Commission of Maldives in Bangladesh, the High Commissioner of the Maldives, Shiuneen Rasheed, presented the summit proposal during a courtesy visit to Bangladeshi President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir at the official presidential residence, Bangabhaban. High Commissioner Shiuneen conveyed formal felicitations and warm regards on behalf of Maldivian President Dr Mohamed Muizzu.
President Alamgir welcomed the summit initiative, stating that a dedicated forum will establish closer linkages between business communities and investors from both nations. The proposed summit aims to provide structured commercial engagement across key economic sectors.
During the dialogue, High Commissioner Shiuneen outlined significant developments within bilateral aviation links, placing particular focus on the expansion of direct commercial flights between Malé and Dhaka. Both parties reviewed practical steps to broaden bilateral cooperation in tourism, bilateral trade, transport logistics, and cultural exchange.
President Alamgir acknowledged the socio-economic contribution made by Bangladeshi expatriate workers within the Maldivian economy. In addition, he affirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to maintaining medical education placements for Maldivian tertiary students and reiterated the nation’s desire to work alongside the Maldives to revitalise regional cooperation through the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).
Senior officials from the presidential administration attended the meeting, including the Military Secretary to the President, the Press Secretary, and a Director General representing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh.
