Pakistan offers G2G supply of essential food and pharmaceuticals to Maldives

Pakistan has offered to supply essential food commodities and pharmaceuticals to the Maldives through government-to-government arrangements, as the two countries move to expand economic cooperation.

The offer was made by Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif during talks with President Dr Mohamed Muizzu in Islamabad on 21 October. Pakistan said it was ready to provide essential food items and pharmaceuticals to the Maldives, including through G2G supply arrangements.

No details have yet been announced on the products that could be supplied, potential volumes, pricing, procurement arrangements or implementation timeline.

Food security and pharmaceuticals were among several areas identified for expanded cooperation during the talks, alongside trade, investment, tourism and private-sector partnerships. The two countries also agreed to work towards increasing bilateral trade from USD 13.4 million to USD 200 million within two years.

The potential supply arrangement comes as the Maldives continues efforts to strengthen the availability of essential commodities and diversify supply sources. Earlier this year, the Government said additional supply routes had been secured from markets including China, India, Türkiye and ASEAN countries amid volatility in global supply chains.

The Government has also expanded the role of State Trading Organisation in essential food imports. Cabinet approval was granted in 2025 for STO to bulk-import additional fruits, vegetables and other staples, while the list of basic commodities supplied at regulated prices has since been expanded to 23 items.

President Muizzu has separately identified food security as a policy priority, emphasising both greater domestic production and reduced exposure to international supply disruptions and price volatility.

President Muizzu is in Pakistan on a state visit from 20 to 22 October, marking the first high-level bilateral engagement between the two countries in more than a decade.