Pakistan, Malaysia vow to deepen trade, investment ties

Business Recorder · 16/10/2026، 11:52:07 PM

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Board of Investment Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh on Friday attended the Malaysia–Pakistan Business Engagement 2026: Strengthening Trade, Investment and Business Linkages as Guest of Honour at the High Commission of Malaysia, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening economic cooperation, expanding bilateral trade and promoting investment partnerships between the two brotherly countries. The event brought together representatives of the public and private sectors, business leaders, investors and economic stakeholders to explore new avenues for bilateral trade, investment and business-to-business collaboration. Ambassador Dato’ Mohammad Azhar Mazlan, High Commissioner of Malaysia to Pakistan, welcomed the federal minister and appreciated him for taking time out of his busy schedule to attend the engagement. He highlighted the longstanding and cordial relations between Malaysia and Pakistan and emphasised the considerable potential for further expanding commercial and economic cooperation. Addressing the gathering, the Malaysian high commissioner underscored the importance of translating the two countries’ longstanding friendship into stronger trade and investment partnerships. He noted Pakistan’s significance as a major trading partner in South Asia and expressed confidence that bilateral trade could be substantially increased, with an ambition to expand its value up to approximately USD 1.5 billion to USD 5 billion through enhanced commercial engagement and greater private-sector participation. Ambassador Dato’ Mohammad Azhar Mazlan identified artificial intelligence, education, manufacturing, goods and services as promising areas for collaboration, emphasising that Malaysia recognised Pakistan’s economic potential and strategic importance. He also highlighted Pakistan’s geographical position as a gateway to Central Asian markets and its predominantly young population as important strengths for future economic cooperation. Referring to