Islamabad: Pakistan and Malaysia agreed on a roadmap to strengthen trade and investment relations at a business conference on October 16, identifying sectors for joint ventures and greater private sector cooperation.
Malaysian High Commissioner Dato Mohammad Azhar Mazlan said bilateral trade could increase from USD 1.5 billion to USD five billion through stronger commercial engagement. He presented the figure as potential for growth rather than an announced trade outcome.
Leading the Malaysia Pakistan Business Engagement 2026, Mazlan called for the countries’ longstanding friendship to translate into deeper economic partnerships.
He identified artificial intelligence, education, manufacturing and services as promising areas for collaboration. Pakistan’s young population and geographical position as a gateway to Central Asian markets were important strengths, he said.
The envoy also encouraged Pakistani businesses to explore opportunities in Malaysia’s edible oil and halal products sectors. He cited Pakistani investment in halal gelatine production there as an example of successful cooperation and said engagement should deliver benefits to both countries.
Investment Minister Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh said the two economies offered considerable scope for joint ventures and stronger participation in regional and global markets.
He identified information technology, artificial intelligence, advanced technology, manufacturing, value added industries, mining and minerals, agriculture, food processing and halal products as potential investment areas.
Sheikh said Malaysia’s technological expertise could complement Pakistan’s natural resources, workforce and large consumer market.
He said Pakistan welcomed Malaysian investment that supported industrial development, transferred technology, created employment and expanded exports.
The discussions centred on connecting these complementary strengths through business partnerships, with both representatives emphasising a greater role for companies in expanding economic ties.
