Representatives of Bangladesh and Maldives have agreed to operate direct shipping between the two countries. This will deepen bilateral relations and expand trade. The Foreign Minister of Bangladesh AK Abdul Momen met with visiting Vice President of Maldives Faisal Nasim at a hotel in Dhaka on 22 November. During the meeting, they agreed on direct shipping between the two countries. The foreign ministry informed this in a press release on 23 November.
At the meeting, the two leaders agreed on direct shipping to Chittagong and Malé ports to boost bilateral trade, the press release said. He also assured that Bangladesh would provide necessary assistance for medical, education, training and skills development in the Maldives. He also said that Bangladeshi expatriates are currently contributing to the Maldivian economy. On the other hand, the Vice President of Maldives has expressed interest in recruiting expert professionals and doctors from Bangladesh.
Maldives Higher Education Minister Dr Ibrahim Hassan and Health Minister Ahmed Nasim, Secretary of the Ministry of Expatriate Welfare and Overseas Employment Dr Ahmed Munirush Salehin, Foreign Secretary of Maldives Abdul Ghafoor Mohamed, Maldives Ambassador to Dhaka Shirujimath Samir, Director General of Wage Earners’ Welfare Board (WEWB) Md. Hamidur Rahman, Director General of Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training Md. Shahidul Alam were present at the meeting.
