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KARACHI: Pakistan and Maldives should necessitate increasing trade to strengthen bilateral and socio-economic relations.

A meeting between president Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), Abdul Majid Haji Muhammad and High Commissioner of Maldives, Dr Aishath Shehenaz Adam was of the view to fortify trade and boost up the investment opportunities besides tourism.

Abdul Majid said Maldives, a country comprising of chain of 1190 islands, imports an array of items worldwide.

He outlined the great potential of Pakistani exports to Maldives in many areas as Maldives imports from Pakistan were $5.6 million last year that could be further improved by increasing bilateral trade and exploring different trade areas.

Maldives imports iron, steel, construction and building materials, cement, rice, wheat, fruits and daily households to meet its country requirements, he added.

He said Pakistan could export rice, pharmaceutical and textile products at cheaper rates and could offer wide range of machineries and technological support to Maldives.

He focused on government-to-government contacts to enter into Preferential Trade Agreement later to be materialised as Free Trade Agreement.

He extended invitation to Maldivian companies through High Commissioner to participate in the KCCI’s upcoming major trade event My Karachi, Oasis of Harmony 2010 Exhibition.

Dr Aishath Shehenaz Adam underscored the importance of bilateral trade and the need for regular exchange of visits at different levels while exploring new investment opportunities to bond trade ties of Pakistan and Maldives to the new heights.

End.