Malaysia and Pakistan vow to deepen trade and investment ties

Malaysia and Pakistan are seeking to deepen their bilateral relations through enhanced cooperation in trade, investment, education, and tourism. High Commissioner of Malaysia to Pakistan, Dato Mohammad Azhar bin Mazlan, noted that the two nations have maintained diplomatic relations since 1957 and elevated their status to a Strategic Partnership in 2019.

Key areas of focus include defense, energy, telecommunications, and the halal sector. Specific economic interests were highlighted, such as Pakistan serving as a market for Malaysian palm oil and an ongoing joint venture for edible oil refining at Port Qasim in Karachi. Additionally, Malaysia aims to attract more Pakistani students to its universities, noting that Pakistan is already among the top five countries of origin for international students in Malaysia.

On the defense front, a joint committee on defense cooperation is scheduled to meet soon. Tourism also remains a priority, with Malaysia extending its ‘Visit Malaysia’ campaign through 2027 to encourage more visitors to Pakistan’s northern areas.