On Friday, 8 September 2023, Ambassador Azhar visited the Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FCCI). On arrival, he was extended a warm reception by Dr. Khurram Tariq, President of FCCI. The primary objective of this visit was to enhance bilateral trade relations while fostering economic cooperation between the two nations. The program started with the recitation of Quran and National Anthem of Malaysia "Negaraku' followed by National Anthem of Pakistan. The President of the Chamber introduced the High Commissioner to the Senior Vice President, Vice President, Secretary General and office bearers of the Faisalabad Chamber. Dr. Khurram Tariq then presented shield to the High Commissioner.
Addressing the business community at Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FCCI), Ambassador Azhar expressed satisfaction over the bilateral and economic relations between the two countries and said that business communities of Malaysia and Pakistan must collaborate to further enhance the trade volume. He said that more than 50,000 Pakistanis are working in Malaysia while the volume of bilateral trade is only USD1.8 billion. Ambassador Azhar informed the participants that Malaysia is exporting palm oil, chemicals and electrical items to Pakistan while it is importing some chemicals, fresh fruits and vegetables from Pakistan in addition to the textile products. He said that Pakistan has recently organized a mango festival in Kuala Lumpur which would open a new market for this exotic Pakistani fruit. The High Commissioner further stated that there exist immense potentials to enhance bilateral trade with Pakistan from USD1.8 billion to USD10 billion.
He stressed the need to focus on the USD3 trillion international halal market. Pakistan could export halal products to Middle East and Far East countries. Malaysia is also working proactively on halal products and has developed halal ice-cream and halal chocolate as well as cosmetic products which are not only popular in Muslim but also in non-Muslim countries. Malaysia as a member of ASEAN which has a collective GDP of 2.9 trillion with a population of 660 million is strategically situated in the region. Pakistan could re-export its surplus to the other ASEAN countries through Malaysia. A Pakistani company has started exporting beef to Malaysia. He hoped that Pakistan could export fruits and vegetables in addition to the textile products to Malaysia.
He also elaborated that in collaboration with Malaysia, a car manufacturing plant is also operational in Karachi. He emphasised on exploring new avenues for technology transfer and digitalization. Ambassador Azhar assured fullest cooperation to Pakistani businessmen intending to participate in the International Pepper Community and International Spices Exhibition scheduled for 6 to 9 November 2023 in Sarawak, Malaysia.
