“Malaysia sees China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a big opportunity for South Asia region, especially for Pakistan,” stated the Consul General of Malaysia in Karachi Khairul Nazran Abd Rahman while talking to a group of journalists at the concluding session of ’20th Study Malaysia Expo’ on Sunday. The Malaysian envoy said that Malaysia could partner with Pakistan in potential projects in different sectors, if invited. He told journalists that Malaysia had extended big support to Pakistan in education sector. “At present, 1600 Pakistani students are studying in Malaysia,” he said. “Besides more cooperation and support in education sector, Malaysia wants to increase bilateral trade with Pakistan. Pakistan exports textiles, vegetable and fruit to Malaysia and Malaysia’s major export to Pakistan is palm oil,” he said. The Malaysian envoy said his country also wanted to promote tourism in Pakistan. He said that last year 39,000 Pakistani visited Malaysia.He mentioned that 30 Malaysian students were getting Islamic education in Pakistan “Being a Muslim country, Malaysia intends to build a strong relationship with Pakistan. The two countries have also carried out collaborative efforts in the defence sector,” said the Consul General of Malaysia before adding, “These efforts included joint trainings of forces. Some Malaysian officers were receiving training in Pakistan Air Force,” The newly appointed Malaysian Consul General said that he felt very comfortable and happy with the residents of Karachi whom he described as ‘very friendly and hospitable’. Praising the Pakistani cuisine, the Malaysian envoy said that he was fond of spicy food and sea food and Pakistani Basmati rice and mangoes were his favorite food items. Published in Daily Times, July 17th 2018.