High Commissioner of Malaysia Dato’ Mohammad Azhar Mazlan Thursday reaffirmed his country’s strong commitment to deepening economic and business relations with Pakistan, emphasizing that while political ties remain robust, there is significant room to expand and re-balance bilateral trade.
Addressing the business community at the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), the High Commissioner highlighted the longstanding friendship between the two nations, recalling that Pakistan was among the earliest countries to recognize Malaysia’s independence in 1957 and supported its constitutional development.
He also acknowledged the historic role of Pakistanis who stood with Malaysia during pre-independence challenges, describing the relationship as one rooted in brotherhood and mutual respect.
Referring to the visit of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to Malaysia last year, he noted that seven Memorandums of Understanding were signed, including collaboration in the Halal sector. Malaysia committed to importing up to $200 million worth of Halal meat annually from Pakistan, with approximately $100 million already imported.
Malaysia is also sourcing agro-products such as potatoes, onions and basmati rice from Pakistan, where Pakistan ranks as the second-largest rice supplier to Malaysia.
He observed that current bilateral trade, valued at approximately USD 1.6-1.8 billion, remains below potential and is tilted in Malaysia’s favor.
As a net food importer serving a population of 34 million, Malaysia sees strong potential to increase imports of Pakistani poultry, dairy products, halal meat and other agricultural commodities to help re-balance trade.
The High Commissioner emphasized the need to convert political goodwill into tangible business outcomes and called for structured, sector-focused engagements between ICCI and Malaysian business chambers.
He candidly noted the importance of addressing perception gaps and building stronger trust between business communities.
Highlighting people-to-people linkages, he shared that over 100,000 Pakistanis reside in Malaysia, contributing $400-500 million annually in remittances and serving as a vital bridge between the two economies.
Strong air connectivity between Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi and Kuala Lumpur further facilitates trade, tourism and investment flows, he added.
He also identified pharmaceuticals and emerging technologies, particularly Artificial Intelligence, as promising areas of cooperation.
With Malaysia moving toward an aging society by 2030, increased demand for healthcare and pharmaceutical products presents opportunities for Pakistani exporters.
At the same time, collaboration under Malaysia’s industrial transformation and digital policies could leverage Pakistan’s large youth population and technological potential.
Earlier, in his welcome address, ICCI President Sardar Tahir Mehmood stated that the visit reaffirms the longstanding friendship between Pakistan and Malaysia while opening new avenues for private-sector collaboration.
He acknowledged the current trade imbalance and stressed the need for broader market access and diversification of Pakistani exports, particularly in agriculture, manufacturing and halal products.
He noted that the Halal meat sector presents immediate export potential of up to USD 200 million annually, with scope for further expansion as certification and trust frameworks strengthen.
Leveraging Malaysia’s global leadership in halal standards and Pakistan’s production capacity, he said, can become a cornerstone of a more balanced and mutually beneficial economic partnership.
ICCI Senior Vice President Tahir Ayub expressed confidence that through sustained engagement and targeted sectoral cooperation, Pakistan and Malaysia can unlock greater trade volumes and shared prosperity in the years ahead.