Maldives invites Pak investors

The Maldivian government is promoting low cost tourism facilities to attract budget travelers. Pakistani investors may invest in guest houses and 2-3 stars hotels, where 70 percent occupancy is guaranteed. Maldives Chamber of Commerce and Industry Vice President Ismail Asif has made these remarks while welcoming the delegation led by Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) Vice President Muhammad Tauseef Zaman. He said tourism, fisheries and construction sectors of Maldives have tremendous opportunities of investment. He said that Pakistani investors should come and initiate joint ventures with Maldivian counterparts.
“Large business groups across the world are enhancing trade relation with Maldives. Investors from America, Europe, India and Sri Lanka are investing in the tourism industry of Maldives while various resorts have been constructed which are facilitating the tourists coming from all over the world”, he added. Asif said that Pakistan had best quality rice which had great demand in Maldives; it should also help introduce other products in the Maldivian market. “We import all food and non-food items to serve our guests from all over the world”.
Recently, a Pakistani group installed a cement packaging plant in the Maldives, he added.
Speaking on the occasion, Zaman said that Maldives was a country with a 100 percent Muslim population which is eager to cooperate and collaborate with Pakistan in all sectors of trade and industry. He said that affection and friendliness of Maldivian people was unforgettable. He outlined the great potential of Pakistani exports to Maldives in many areas. He noted that Maldives’ imports from Pakistan were $6 million that could further be enhanced by increasing bilateral trade and exploring various trading platforms. He further said that Pakistan would provide construction material to Maldives without a quota as it was unjustified to avert the development of a nation through such as system. He expressed his intention of organising an exhibition where all Pakistani products would be showcased. “We will support Maldives, not only in the sectors of tourism, fisheries and construction but will also provide them with technical assistance”, he added.