Malaysia aims to leverage excellent relations with Pakistan

Malaysia's new High Commissioner to Pakistan, Mohammad Azhar Mazlan, aims to build on the strong state of relations between the two countries, focusing on new and niche areas of economic, trade and investment cooperation.

Azhar paid a courtesy call on Pakistani President Dr Arif Alvi and presented his letters of credence at a ceremony at Aiwan-e-Sadr (Presidential Palace) in Islamabad on Wednesday, 15 March. The president marked the occasion by presenting the High Commissioner with a book on Pakistan. Also present were the Pakistan Foreign Affairs Ministry's additional secretary (administration), the president's military secretary and chief of protocol, and High Commission representatives including the High Commissioner's spouse Madame Amelia Amani Lee Abdullah, Defence Attaché Colonel Noraripin, and Third Secretary Nor Azuan.

A statement from the Malaysian High Commission described relations between the two countries as excellent, with close engagement as strategic partners across trade, investment, education, culture, tourism, defence, and technical/human capital development assistance. The two sides also discussed bilateral and regional issues of mutual interest.

Trade partner rankings

"Last year, Pakistan was Malaysia's 30th largest trading partner, 24th largest export destination and 40th largest import source. Among South Asian countries, Pakistan is Malaysia's 3rd largest trading partner, export destination and import source, with the total trade registered last year between the two countries at US$1.8 billion (RM8.07 billion)," — Malaysian High Commission to Pakistan

Trade composition

Malaysia's exports to Pakistan are led by palm oil and palm oil-based products, agricultural products, and manufactured goods, while imports from Pakistan consist mainly of agricultural products, textiles, apparel, and footwear.

Investment figures

Malaysian investment in Pakistan totals US$6 billion (RM27 billion), spanning the power sector, township development, construction, supplies, telecommunications and financial services. Pakistan's investment in Malaysia stands at US$400 million (RM1.8 billion), including in chemicals and chemical products, food manufacturing, and plastic products.

Source: New Straits Times (Bernama)