Pakistan, Malaysia Explore Ways to Boost Bilateral Trade

KARACHI: Pakistan and Malaysia are exploring new opportunities to expand bilateral trade, investment, tourism and educational cooperation, Malaysian Consul General in Karachi Mohd Yunus Ibrahim has said, noting that bilateral trade between the two countries has remained around $1.5 billion annually over the past five years.

He was speaking at a seminar and dinner on Pakistan-Malaysia trade relations organised by the Diplomatic Forum for Socio-Economic Development in Karachi. The event brought together diplomats and business leaders to discuss opportunities for stronger economic cooperation.

Yunus Ibrahim said Pakistan and Malaysia enjoyed longstanding friendly relations based on shared Islamic values, cultural heritage and mutual cooperation.

The relationship was elevated to a Strategic Partnership in 2019. Both countries will celebrate the 70th anniversary of their diplomatic relations in 2027, with a series of trade and cultural activities being planned to mark the occasion.

Pakistan-Malaysia Trade and Investment Opportunities

The Malaysian Consul General said both countries were reviewing existing economic cooperation arrangements to improve market access, reduce trade barriers and facilitate business partnerships.

He highlighted the potential to increase trade and investment across various sectors, adding that stronger commercial ties could create new opportunities for businesses in both countries.

Yunus Ibrahim also said efforts were underway to facilitate the return of Malaysia Airlines to Pakistan. Subject to the necessary approvals, the airline could resume operations by the end of 2026. A possible resumption of flights to Lahore next year is also under consideration.

Malaysian Trade Delegation to Visit Karachi

Yunus Ibrahim announced that a Malaysian trade delegation is expected to visit Karachi in December. The visit is expected to provide opportunities for business-to-business meetings and direct engagement between companies from Pakistan and Malaysia.

Addressing the gathering, Diplomatic Forum Patron and High-Q Pharma Group CEO Atif Iqbal stressed the importance of direct business-to-business engagement in strengthening bilateral trade.

He said the forum had organised seminars and symposiums to bring business communities together and identify opportunities for greater economic cooperation.

Iqbal highlighted the potential for expanding trade in palm oil, Pakistani rice, pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products, and agricultural goods.

He added that bringing business leaders and diplomatic representatives together could help identify untapped markets, develop commercial partnerships and strengthen the longstanding friendship between Pakistan and Malaysia.

Representatives of the diplomatic corps from Sri Lanka, Oman, Iran and Russia attended the event, alongside prominent business figures, including Nadeem Polani, Basit Mandia, Hassan Manami, Ahsan Mehanti and Obaid Saleem Patel, as well as members of the Yusuf Devan Company team and other distinguished guests.