Maldives set to establish direct shipping link with Bangladesh

In further attempts to improve bilateral and trade relations between South Asian Association For Regional Cooperation (SAARC) nations, the Maldives has expressed interest in establishing a direct shipping link between Malé, capital of Maldives, and Chittagong, home to Bangladesh's busiest seaport. Mr. Abdulla Shahid, the Minister of State, Controller of Immigration and Emigration of Maldives, revealed interest in pursuing this project at a meeting with directors of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) on 14 July 2011.

Mr. Shahid, also the chairman of the Hithadhoo Port, Addu Atoll, said that the link could be established in a few weeks. Most food items, energy and construction materials are imported to Maldives from India and Thailand to meet a huge demand, since the island nation lacks the natural resources and landmass to be fully self reliant. According to Mr. Shahid, Bangladesh has a huge potential to export these items to Maldives.

He also coaxed Bangladeshi investors to venture into the Maldives and invest in tourism, energy and infrastructure development sectors in the archipelago. In recent months, Maldives authorities had begun to tackle the issue of furthering bonds between neighbouring countries. In addition to seeking investors from these countries to begin operating resorts in Maldives, officials are also working on attracting more travellers and tourists from the region. He emphasised on sharing knowledge to promote tourism sectors in both countries.

Mr. Shahid also spoke of joining forces to cope with adverse effects of climate change; he noted that since both countries are low-lying and vulnerable, joint efforts can give a huge boost to these efforts.

Already, the two countries work closely in development sectors. About 6,000 Bangladeshi workers are contributing to the economy of Maldives.

Over the years, they have helped provide the manpower needed to develop infrastructure and hospital sectors in Maldives. To seek further bilateral help from Bangladesh, Maldives has slated to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bangladesh.

Officials are also considering introducing direct air link between Bangladesh and Maldives under public or private initiatives. With the shipping link, air link and more agreements on collaborated development in tourism and infrastructure sectors, both countries how to achieve the economic stability needed to progress at a time when the world economy keeps fluctuating unpredictably.