Economic Expert Humayun Iqbal Shami has urged the government to sign a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Maldives.

Talking to Radio Pakistan, he said, “Pakistan can export multiple things to Maldives at large scale.”

He said, “Maldives is a South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) member country and we should further strengthen our ties and cooperation with it.”

“Maldives is a small country and its economy is based on tourism. It is becoming a financial and economic attraction because of its beautiful and scenic attractiveness,” the expert said.

Dr. Noor Fatima, IR/Economic Expert said, “Pakistan and Maldives have unanimously agreed to sign various accords for enhancing cooperation in all areas including trade, education, defence, tourism, and people to people contacts.”

She further said, “Pakistan wanted engagement with regional countries at various levels, and wished to share its development with other regional countries as well. “Our young people can go and work in other countries as Pakistan is working for regional integration.”

“All regional countries are observing negative role of India in the region. Pakistan has made successful diplomatic efforts and world is supporting its stance on Kashmir now,” she added.