KUALA LUMPUR – The Maldives is seeking to expand its relationship with Bangladesh beyond migrant labour, with both countries exploring closer cooperation in trade, tourism, investment, maritime connectivity and climate action.

Maldives High Commissioner Shiuneen Rasheed said recent high-level exchanges had injected fresh momentum into bilateral ties, creating opportunities to strengthen collaboration across multiple sectors.

Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu visited Dhaka earlier this year to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, while Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman is expected to visit the Maldives next week for the country's Independence Day celebrations.

Speaking during a visit to the Dhaka Tribune and Bangla Tribune offices on July 21, Rasheed said one proposal under discussion is a direct shipping route between the two countries to improve trade efficiency.

She said goods currently transit through Singapore, India, Sri Lanka or the United Arab Emirates, resulting in higher transport costs and delays, particularly due to congestion at Sri Lankan ports.

The Maldives has also eased restrictions on foreign investment, opening new opportunities in sectors including tourism, hospitality, renewable energy and infrastructure.

Although bilateral trade remains relatively small, Bangladesh exports products such as mangoes, frozen vegetables and processed food to the Maldives, while tuna remains the island nation's main export.

Rasheed said tourism is also emerging as an important area of cooperation, with Bangladesh becoming a growing source market for the Maldives. Direct flights between the two countries continue to record strong passenger demand.

Alongside expanding economic ties, the Maldives is also looking to reshape its labour partnership with Bangladesh by increasing the recruitment of skilled professionals.

Around 100,000 Bangladeshis currently live and work in the Maldives, making them one of the country's largest expatriate communities. While many are employed in construction and hospitality, Rasheed said growing demand in healthcare, finance and other specialised sectors has created opportunities for more skilled Bangladeshi workers.

"We have traditionally employed many Bangladeshis in construction and hospitality.

"But as our economy grows, demand is increasing for skilled professionals, including nurses, accountants and other specialists,” she said.

She added that the Maldivian government is simultaneously working to regularise undocumented foreign workers through a nationwide registration programme aimed at improving labour governance.

Beyond economic cooperation, Rasheed said Bangladesh and the Maldives share common challenges as low-lying nations vulnerable to climate change.

She said both countries continue to work together in international forums to advocate for stronger climate action and increased climate financing, while the Maldives accelerates its transition towards renewable energy, with solar power expected to play a central role.

During the visit, Dhaka Tribune Editor Reaz Ahmad called for greater media collaboration between Bangladesh and the Maldives to promote tourism, cultural exchange and regional understanding. He said the two countries also share common concerns, particularly climate change, making closer regional cooperation increasingly important.

Bangla Tribune Executive Editor Udisa Islam said the presence of nearly 100,000 Bangladeshi workers in the Maldives has created strong people-to-people ties, adding that greater media cooperation could help highlight migrants' contributions while encouraging wider economic and cultural engagement.