Proposed maritime connection could open new export opportunities for Bangladesh in food, energy and construction materials
DHAKA: The Maldives is keen to establish a direct shipping link between Chattogram and Malé to boost bilateral trade, reduce transportation costs and create new opportunities for Bangladeshi exporters in the Indian Ocean nation.
The proposed maritime connection could help Bangladesh expand exports of food products, energy supplies and construction materials to the Maldives, which relies heavily on imports to meet domestic demand.
The Maldives currently sources many of its essential goods from countries including India and Thailand. Bangladesh, with its manufacturing capacity and proximity to the island nation, could emerge as an additional supplier if direct shipping connectivity is established.
The Bangladesh government has also expressed interest in developing a shipping connection between the two countries, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman discussed the proposed maritime link with his Maldivian counterpart, Iruthisham Adam, on July 26 while on an official visit to Malé.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the two ministers discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations through greater cooperation in migration and expatriate welfare, tourism, education, healthcare, the blue economy and maritime connectivity.
They also exchanged views on possible high-level visits and explored the establishment of a direct shipping link to facilitate bilateral trade and improve connectivity.
Shipping link could unlock trade potential
A direct shipping service between Chattogram and Malé could provide Bangladeshi exporters with an alternative route to reach the Maldivian market, particularly for products that require regular and reliable deliveries.
Potential export items include rice and other food products, poultry, meat, processed foods, construction materials and selected energy-related supplies, subject to import regulations, market demand and commercial viability.
For the Maldives, diversifying its sources of essential commodities could improve supply-chain resilience and create additional procurement options.
For Bangladesh, a regular maritime connection could help businesses explore a market where demand for imported goods is supported by limited domestic production capacity and the requirements of the tourism industry.
However, the commercial benefits would depend on shipping frequency, freight rates, cargo volumes, port-handling arrangements and the availability of return cargo.
Lower logistics costs could benefit both countries
Professor Dr Md Aynul Islam, former general secretary of the Bangladesh Economic Association, said establishing direct shipping connectivity could benefit both countries.
He said maritime connectivity would facilitate trade, reduce logistics costs, expand market access and strengthen bilateral commercial engagement.
Direct shipping services could also make transportation more efficient by reducing reliance on indirect routes, although the actual savings would depend on the service design and cargo volumes.
For Bangladeshi exporters, lower and more predictable freight costs could improve competitiveness in the Maldivian market. Maldivian importers could also benefit from greater access to suppliers and more efficient cargo movement.
Maritime connectivity to deepen bilateral ties
The proposed shipping link comes as Bangladesh and the Maldives seek to broaden economic cooperation beyond labour migration and tourism.
The two countries have scope to expand trade in food products, pharmaceuticals, construction materials and other goods, while cooperation in the blue economy could create additional opportunities for maritime businesses.
A direct Chattogram–Malé shipping connection could serve as an important foundation for this broader commercial engagement, provided both sides can establish a commercially sustainable service.
Although the discussions signal mutual interest, a launch date, shipping frequency and operational arrangements have yet to be confirmed.
If implemented, the connection could help bring the two markets closer and give Bangladeshi businesses a more direct route to the Maldives' import-dependent economy.
