Bangladesh, Maldives Explore Direct Shipping Links and Halal Food Trade Partnership
Bangladesh and the Maldives have reiterated their commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation, with renewed focus on establishing direct shipping links and enhancing collaboration in the halal food sector to support trade growth, transport efficiency and resilient supply chains. The discussions underscored shared ambitions to deepen economic ties and improve connectivity between the two countries.
The commitment was highlighted during a courtesy meeting between Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to the Maldives, Dr Md Nazmul Islam, and Maldives Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation Mohamed Ameen. Both sides reviewed avenues to strengthen economic and transport linkages, stressing that improved connectivity would help lower logistics costs, reduce transit times and broaden market access for businesses in both countries.
Direct shipping connectivity emerged as a central theme, with both parties agreeing that dedicated services would significantly streamline cargo movement and make bilateral trade more efficient. The proposed Memorandum of Understanding on direct shipping was discussed in detail, with the High Commissioner briefing the minister on progress made so far and reaffirming Bangladesh’s readiness to finalize the agreement at the earliest opportunity. He noted that direct shipping would enhance transparency and predictability in logistics while delivering tangible benefits to exporters, importers and consumers.
Cooperation in the halal food industry was also explored as a promising area for trade expansion. Dr Nazmul Islam highlighted Bangladesh’s ability to supply internationally certified halal food products, including processed foods, beverages and packaged items, and expressed interest in joint initiatives covering investment, supply chain development and quality assurance. The Maldivian side showed interest in leveraging national airport and maritime infrastructure to support cargo transportation and trade facilitation.
Minister Mohamed Ameen welcomed the direct shipping proposal, describing it as a step that could ease cargo movement, expand bilateral trade volumes and strengthen regional supply chains. He also acknowledged Bangladesh as an important development partner and expressed appreciation for Bangladesh’s assistance in supplying potable water during a previous crisis, calling it a reflection of strong friendship and mutual cooperation.
The meeting also noted the plan to resume flights between Bangladesh and the Maldives by national carrier Maldivian Airlines from March 2026, a move welcomed by the High Commissioner as it is expected to further enhance connectivity, trade links and people-to-people exchanges between the two nations.
