Zubair Qureshi
Malaysia is a role model country for developing countries including Pakistan as it achieved great milestones within half a century of its independence and is ranked today 35th economy in the world. On the other hand, Pakistan despite being the 5th largest country in terms of population stands below 40. Our economy is facing enormous challenges and in this bleak scenario, the Malaysian model of economy offers best solutions to Pakistan in tackling these challenges
These views were expressed by Caretaker Federal Minister for Commerce, Industries & Production DrGoharEjaz while speaking as Chief Guest at a reception marking the 66th National Day and 90th Armed Forces Day of Malaysia. Director General (DG) of Joint Information & Intelligence Operations, Major General WaseemIftikharCheema was the guest of honour on the occasion.
Besides, Heads of missions of the ASEAN countries, diplomats, senior officers from the Foreign Office, members of the Pakistani and the Malaysian business community, the Malaysian nationals, current and former parliamentarians and members of civil society attended the reception and congratulated the host couple High Commissioner Mohammad AzharMazlan and his spouse Amelia Amani Lee Abdullah on the historic occasion. A cake was also cut while national anthems of the two countries were played. A documentary showing the development of the brave Malaysian army and the country’s economic growth was also screened on the occasion. A Malaysian cultural troupe also performed on the occasion showing traditional music and dance of the country.
DrGoharEjaz was all praise for Malaysia and termed it quite a marvelous success that the country sustained up to 6pc annual GDP for the last 60 of its total 66 years. This is simply incredible for any country to maintain such a momentum of growth. He also referred to Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) of the country i.e. US$1.23 Trillion (US$39,000 per capita income) which is again a record. It is time that Pakistan should rise to action and attain economic independence and overcome challenges to its economy, said the Federal Minister.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Malaysian High Commissioner Mohammad AzharMazlan expressing profound gratitude to the guests said the year 2023’s theme of the National Day Celebration was Malaysia Madani: TekadPerpaduanPenuhiHarapan (Determination in Unity, Fulfilling Hope). The theme calls on the Malaysians to strengthen our resolve and spirit of unity in facing adversities and challenges together as a nation and one people, said the high commissioner of Malaysia.
About relations with Pakistan, he said Malaysia takes pride in its relations with Pakistan. Malaysia and Pakistan have been enjoying years of strong bilateral cooperation that has greatly contributed to our expanding partnership. “In March 2019, Malaysia and Pakistan elevated the bilateral relations to Strategic Partnership,” he said.
Over the years, Malaysia and Pakistan have collaborated in key areas of nation-building, from culture and tourism, defence and security, education, economic and trade, health, human resource and capacity building, parliamentary and people-to-people contacts.
