THE long due visit of Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim to Pakistan proved to be highly productive as the two countries have agreed to strengthen the bilateral economic cooperation, enhance trade, remove barriers in key sectors, provide a level playing field and address trade imbalance. During his talks with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif the two sides agreed to an early Joint Review Committee meeting for a comprehensive evaluation of the Malaysia-Pakistan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with the view to further strengthening the bilateral economic partnership.
Malaysia has always been a source of inspiration for people of Pakistan, who share pride with their Malaysian brethren on being a model of progress and development. It is also a reality that Malaysian products are considered symbols of quality and durability in Pakistan. The friendship between the two countries is based on mutuality of interests and consistent support for each other’s position on regional and global issues. The unequivocal support that Malaysia has rendered to Pakistan on the issue of Kashmir, which has been reiterated by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, will always be remembered by the people of Pakistan. Prime Minister Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim appreciated and supported Pakistan’s stance on Gaza and Palestine saying Malaysia was also committed to supporting the UN Security Council resolutions on Kashmir and this issue should be resolved amicably. It may be noted that the visit came at a time when frantic efforts were being made by Pakistan to promote bilateral trade with different countries of the world and attract foreign investment. As a result of their interaction, the leadership of the two countries expressed their resolve to enhance bilateral cooperation in diverse fields, including economy, trade, investment, commerce, agriculture, tourism, education, defence, semiconductor, green energy, skilled labour and youth empowerment. In a welcome development, the Malaysian Prime Minister said a trade office will be opened in Karachi next month to enhance bilateral trade, including the import of Halal meat and rice from Pakistan. This was in response to an offer made by Pakistan for increasing the export of Halal meat from Pakistan to Malaysia to 200 million dollars per annum. On the issue of skilled labour, Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim said their focus was on professionals in the field of information technology, digital and artificial intelligence. He said Malaysia was regarded as the hub of the semiconductor industry and “we should collaborate in this field too”. We hope relevant Pakistan authorities and institutions will undertake necessary groundwork in the shortest possible time to translate this offer into reality as this has the potential to develop the IT and telecom sector of Pakistan on modern lines.
