The Maldivian government has expressed interest in assisting many Sri Lankan businesses to venture into infrastructure projects and invest in various other sectors in the Maldives. Speaking at a bi-lateral trade seminar organised by the National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka, Maldivian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Zahiya Zareer said it is encouraging to see many Sri Lankan businesses venturing into new areas and new markets in the Maldives. She also discussed on various ways to further strengthen the bi-lateral trade relations between the two countries and facilitate Maldivian businesses to invest in Sri Lanka. There are quite a few companies involved in the construction industry, electricity and water supply in the Maldives. Major hoteliers and companies have invested in our hospitality industry and are continuing to further expand their business interest over there. More over it is encouraging to see new parties or companies showing high level interest in participating in Maldivian tourism industry. Today the trade patterns between and Maldives have undergone massive changes. Citing some statistics she said that the Sri Lankan market share in Maldivian trade has decreased and also the position of Maldives in the Sri Lankan export ranking has dropped. However, Maldives remain a significant market for Sri Lankan products;the most important being agricultural products, fruits and vegetables, mineral water, insecticides, pharmaceuticals, electrical goods, construction material and Sri Lankan tea.Dried fish and canned fish remain Sri Lanka’s main imports from the Maldives. There are a significant number of Maldivians living in Sri Lanka and in 2015, more than 4,000 students had enrolled in different education institutions.
The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd., 19962016.