The Maldives Ministry of Finance and Public Enterprises has signed a five-year framework agreement with the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) to mobilize up to USD 1.5 billion for public and private-sector trade operations from 2026 to 2031. The financing will support imports and exports of essential and strategic commodities, state-owned enterprises and eligible private companies. The framework also provides for financing lines through Maldivian financial institutions to extend support to small and medium-sized enterprises and other private businesses. The parties will explore trade-related technical assistance, advisory services and measures to strengthen trade capacity and access to international markets. Under the previous five-year framework, which ended in October 2024, ITFC approved USD 1.7 billion and disbursed USD 1.5 billion to the Maldives.