Maldives and Bangladesh explore direct shipping link to boost trade

Maldives and Bangladesh have engaged in discussions regarding establishing a direct shipping link to facilitate bilateral trade and strengthen maritime connectivity between the two countries.

The discussions took place during a meeting between Maldivian Foreign Minister Iruthisham Adam and Bangladeshi Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman in Male’ on Sunday.

According to the Bangladesh Foreign Ministry, the two ministers discussed ways to expand cooperation in migration and expatriate welfare, tourism, education, health, blue economy and maritime connectivity.

They also exchanged views on the proposed direct shipping link, which is expected to facilitate bilateral trade and improve connectivity between the two South Asian nations.

According to the Bangladesh Foreign Ministry, the two ministers also explored ways to enhance cooperation in areas that could contribute to stronger economic and people-to-people links between Bangladesh and the Maldives.

Data available from the Observatory of Economic Complexity (OEC) shows Bangladesh exported USD 6.98 million in goods to the Maldives in 2024, mainly packaged medicaments and clothing. Meanwhile, the Maldives exported USD 3.08 million in good to Bangladesh, mainly animal meal and pellets.

Maldives and Bangladesh had signed a preferential trade agreement (PTA) back in 2021, and agreed to establish a direct commercial shipping line, starting with a link between Male’ and three ports in Bangladesh.

However, this was never implemented.

The move to revisit the plan for a direct shipping link comes as the two countries seek to strengthen maritime connectivity and expand bilateral trade. Improved direct connectivity could help facilitate the movement of goods between the two countries while supporting broader economic cooperation.