KUALA LUMPUR, June 24 (Bernama) -- More than 250 members of the Malaysia–Pakistan Business Council (MPBC) gathered alongside Malaysian government agencies to foster trade and investment between the two countries.
MPBC acting chairman Usman Ahmed said the key initiative to drive this agenda is the establishment of the Malaysia–Pakistan Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry, formally recognised by both governments.
“Our aim has always been to have a joint chamber of commerce between Malaysia and Pakistan—legally recognised by both governments and authorised to operate in both countries.
“The chairmanship will rotate, alternating between representatives from Pakistan and Malaysia. This is the only way to truly foster trade and investment between the two countries,” he told Bernama at the MPBC Networking Reception and Dinner, today.
Among the Malaysian government agencies present were the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), and the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade).
Established in 2013, MPBC promotes bilateral trade, tourism and investment between Malaysia and Pakistan.
Usman, who is also the chief executive officer of Gamalux Oils Sdn Bhd, said MPBC has taken proactive steps to reposition itself as a key trade facilitator between the two countries.
“The council's recent meetings and discussions highlight an urgent need to streamline governance, enhance visibility, improve trade engagement, and establish sustainable institutional practices,” he said.
He added that beyond 2025, the council aims to strengthen Malaysia–Pakistan economic ties through structured trade facilitation, diaspora engagement, policy advocacy and strategic institutional reform by 2030.
In his keynote address, Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Malaysia Syed Ahsan Raza Shah highlighted the longstanding relationship between the two countries and called for deeper collaboration in trade, investment and innovation.
He commended MPBC’s role in facilitating trade missions, supporting business delegations and promoting Malaysian participation in Pakistan’s export and exhibition sectors.
“Pakistan produces a diverse array of high-quality goods, including rice, food products, and textiles, that are globally competitive and well-suited for the Malaysian economy.
“We are also encouraged by the successful operations of leading Malaysian companies such as FGV Holdings Bhd in Pakistan. These partnerships show the kind of long-term, win–win cooperation that we aim to expand,” he said.
Malaysia and Pakistan established diplomatic relations in 1957.
Bilateral trade reached US$1.5 billion last year, with Malaysian exports to Pakistan comprising palm oil, chemicals, and electrical and electronic products. Major imports from Pakistan included rice, refined petroleum and onions.
-- BERNAMA
