Bangladesh, Maldives discuss direct shipping link to boost trade

Bangladesh and the Maldives are exploring a direct shipping link to facilitate bilateral trade and strengthen maritime connectivity between the two countries.

The proposal came up during a bilateral meeting between Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman and his Maldivian counterpart Iruthisham Adam in Male today (26 July), according to a press release from Bangladesh's Foreign Ministry.

The two ministers discussed ways to expand cooperation in migration and expatriate welfare, tourism, education, health, blue economy and maritime connectivity.

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

The two sides also discussed possible high-level visits as part of efforts to further deepen bilateral engagement.

Khalilur reaffirmed the government's "Bangladesh First" foreign policy and underscored the importance of strengthening people-to-people ties between the two friendly countries.

The foreign 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.

Maldives' State Minister for Foreign Affairs Mohamed Fahmy Hassan and Bangladesh High Commissioner to the Maldives Md Nazmul Islam were also present at the meeting.

The proposed 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.