Maldives and Bangladesh have held talks about setting up a direct shipping route to promote bilateral trade and enhance maritime connections between the nations.

The talks occurred during a meeting in Male’ on Sunday between Maldivian Foreign Minister Iruthisham Adam and Bangladeshi Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman.

The Bangladesh Foreign Ministry stated that the two ministers talked about enhancing collaboration in migration and expatriate welfare, tourism, education, health, blue economy, and maritime connectivity.

They also shared perspectives on the suggested direct shipping route, which is anticipated to enhance bilateral trade and strengthen connectivity between the two South Asian countries.

The Bangladesh Foreign Ministry stated that the two ministers also examined options to improve collaboration in sectors that could lead to closer economic and interpersonal connections between Bangladesh and the Maldives.

Maldivian Foreign Minister Iruthisham Adam (CR) and Bangladeshi Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman (CL) gather in Male’ on July 26, 2026. (Photo/Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

Information from the Observatory of Economic Complexity (OEC) indicates that Bangladesh exported USD 6.98 million worth of goods to the Maldives in 2024, primarily consisting of packaged medicaments and apparel. In the meantime, the Maldives shipped USD 3.08 million in goods to Bangladesh, primarily animal meal and pellets.

In 2021, Maldives and Bangladesh signed a preferential trade agreement (PTA) and decided to create a direct commercial shipping route, beginning with a connection between Male’ and three Bangladeshi ports.

Nonetheless, this was never put into action.

The decision to reconsider the proposal for a direct shipping connection arises as both nations aim to enhance maritime links and boost bilateral commerce. Enhanced direct links might assist in the transportation of goods between the nations, simultaneously bolstering wider economic collaboration.