Naveed Ahmad Khan
ISLAMABAD: The High Commission of Malaysia in Islamabad organised the Malaysia–Pakistan Business Engagement 2026 on 15 October at Mayang Sari Hall. Malaysian High Commissioner Dato’ Mohammad Azhar Mazlan hosted the event, with Federal Minister for Board of Investment Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh as Guest of Honour. Government agencies, chambers of commerce, business organisations and private sector representatives attended.
The High Commissioner noted that bilateral trade reached about USD 1.55 billion in 2025 and urged both countries to aim higher. He stressed the need to review the Malaysia–Pakistan Closer Economic Partnership Agreement (MPCEPA) to improve market access. Potential cooperation areas included the halal industry, agriculture, manufacturing, artificial intelligence, renewable energy and technology, while he noted Pakistan’s position as a gateway to Central Asia.
Mr. Sheikh praised Malaysia’s industrial and export-led growth, expressed interest in learning from its experience, and encouraged Malaysian investment in manufacturing, value-added industries, technology and special economic zones. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving the investment climate.
MATRADE Karachi Marketing Officer Nadar Ali Gangro presented an overview of Malaysia’s trade performance and export sectors, urging Pakistani firms to engage directly with Malaysian exporters.
A business forum featuring Mr. Gangro and economist Dr. Jibran Hussain Raza, moderated by First Secretary Mohamad Alif Syafiq Mohd Faudzi, discussed expanding trade beyond traditional sectors, challenges such as standards, certification and competitiveness, and cooperation in food security, Islamic finance and investment.
The event also included a Q&A session, corporate videos from MIDA and MATRADE, and a networking session for direct business contacts.
