ISLAMABAD
\nThe High Commissioner of Maldives, Mohamed Thoha visited the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) on Thursday during which he called on President ICCI Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari and discussed with him opportunities to explore new avenues of bilateral cooperation.
\nSpeaking on the occasion, the High Commissioner emphasized the need for direct air links between Maldives and Pakistan to foster brotherly relations and promote bilateral tourism.
\nMohamed Thoha highlighted the rich trade and business potential between the two countries, particularly in the export of high-grade tuna from Maldives to Pakistan. He described Pakistan as a fascinating country with hospitable inhabitants and identified opportunities for strengthening business ties in sectors like fruit and vegetable exports.
\nThe High Commissioner also showcased his country\u2019s investor-friendly environment, offering visa exemptions and real estate investment opportunities. He mentioned Maldives\u2019 plans to build 36,000 apartments in Male\u2019 and invited Pakistani investors to explore this sector.
\nThoha emphasized the importance of reviving the South Asian Association of Regional States (SAARC) to strengthen regional cooperation.
\nPresident ICCI Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari commended the High Commissioner\u2019s efforts to advance bilateral business ties and suggested collaborative efforts to promote tourism. He also highlighted the potential for exchange programs, close collaboration between Chambers of Commerce, tuna imports, climate change initiatives, and ecotourism to enhance relations.
\nHe also invited the visiting guest to join the ICCI\u2019s upcoming delegation to Swat Valley on September 22-23, which will include Ambassadors, diplomats, and business leaders. This trip aims to explore the valley\u2019s vast potential and uncover opportunities for collaboration and investment.
\nZafar Bakhtawari, Secretary General United Business Group (UBG) said that Maldives carries significance for Pakistan not only because of a Muslim country but also a member of the SAARC. He praised the High Commissioner as a dynamic personality and expressed hope for strengthened relations during his tenure. He noted Pakistan\u2019s support for Maldivian diplomats and students, as well as Maldives\u2019 consistent support for Pakistan\u2019s candidatures in international bodies.
\nThe attendees also included Akhtar Abbasi, Nasir Mehmood Chaudhry, and Imtiaz Abbasi.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
ISLAMABAD The High Commissioner of Maldives, Mohamed Thoha visited the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) on Thursday during which he called on President ICCI Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari and discussed with him opportunities to explore new avenues of bilateral cooperation. Speaking on the occasion, the High Commissioner emphasized the need for direct air links […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-429944","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","6":"category-business"},"yoast_head":"\n