Bangladesh and Maldives on Saturday reaffirmed their commitment to launching direct shipping connectivity and expanding cooperation in the halal food industry.

This development came during a courtesy call by the Bangladesh High Commissioner to Maldives Dr. Md Nazmul Islam, to the Maldivian Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation Mohamed Ameen.

The discussions centered on finalizing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for direct shipping, which both nations view as a game-changer for economic ties.

High Commissioner Islam briefed the Minister on the progress of the MoU, emphasizing that a direct maritime link would significantly reduce logistics costs and transportation time, benefiting exporters and consumers alike.

In addition to transport, the meeting explored Bangladesh’s potential as a major supplier for the Maldives' halal food market.

Dr. Nazmul Islam highlighted Bangladesh’s capacity to export internationally certified processed foods, beverages, and packaged goods, proposing joint investment and supply chain quality assurance.

Minister Ameen welcomed the initiatives, noting that the Maldivian airport and maritime infrastructure are ready to facilitate increased cargo movement.

He also expressed deep appreciation for the longstanding friendship between the two countries, specifically recalling Bangladesh's critical assistance in providing potable water during a past national crisis in Maldives.

Further strengthening people-to-people ties, the meeting also celebrated the upcoming resumption of flights by the national carrier, Maldivian Airlines, between the two nations, scheduled for March 2026.