Discussions held with Turkish business community on avenues for collaboration

Foreign Minister Dr. Abdulla Khaleel and Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed has engaged in discussions with the Turkish business community on Tuesday, to discuss potential avenues for collaboration.

The meeting, organized by the Foreign Economic Relations Board of Türkiye (DEIK), was joined by over 15 key Turkish businesses which were led by the Chairperson of the Türkiye-Asia Pacific Business Council Nail Olpak, who is also a member of the Board of DEIK and İçtaş İnşaat A.Ş. 

According to the Maldivian Foreign Ministry, the session saw discussions on a wide range of sectors including tourism, renewable energy, investment, agriculture, housing, real estate, port development and technology – with the aim of enhancing bilateral economic cooperation and fostering new business opportunities between the Maldives and Türkiye.

In his opening remarks, Minister Khaleel emphasized the Maldives’ strategic significance and its dedication to creating a supportive business environment. Meanwhile, Minister Saeed noted the importance of two major agreements—the Economic Cooperation Agreement signed in November 2023 and the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) signed in November 2024—as clear indicators of the strengthening economic and trade ties between the two nations, reaffirming their commitment to deepening this relationship in the future.

Following the remarks by the ministers, Nuha Mohamed Riza, CEO of Invest Maldives, delivered a presentation showcasing the investment prospects in the Maldives. Her presentation offered an in-depth look at the country’s increasing appeal as a top destination for both tourism and investment.

Both ministers engaged in informal interactions with the businessmen, discussing potential avenues for collaboration and exploring ways to strengthen economic ties between the two nations.

Foreign Ministry states the engagement marks a significant step in advancing the economic partnership between the Maldives and Türkiye, particularly in key sectors that are poised for growth in the coming years.

The current administration has fostered closer ties with Türkiye. President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s first visit overseas after assuming office had been to Türkiye. Maldives also opened its first resident embassy in Türkiye in capital Ankara on Tuesday.