On Tuesday, 25 February 2025, His Excellency Ambassador Dato' Azhar Mazlan visited the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI). Upon arrival, he was warmly received by Mr. Nasir Mansoor Qureshi, President of ICCI, along with the office bearers. Ambassador Dato’ Azhar was accompanied by Mr. Muhammad Zulasri bin Rosdi, First Secretary of the High Commission. The primary objective of the visit was to enhance bilateral trade relations and foster economic cooperation between the two nations.
In his welcoming remarks, Nasir Mansoor Qureshi highlighted Pakistan’s potential for foreign investment in diverse fields such as the halal industry, IT, biotechnology, agriculture, tourism, energy, and manufacturing. He informed the High Commissioner that ICCI is planning to organize a high-profile business delegation to Malaysia to explore joint venture opportunities and new trade partnerships. He emphasized the need for frequent business delegations, trade exhibitions, and B2B networking events to maximize trade opportunities.
In his speech, Ambassador Dato' Azhar stated that Malaysia is one of the world's fastest-growing trading nations and that Pakistan, striving for an export-led economy, must focus on economic diplomacy to unlock its full trade and investment potential. Highlighting the immense opportunities for bilateral cooperation, the High Commissioner emphasized that both countries could collaborate in key sectors such as the agro-industry, halal industry, digital economy, energy, and education.
He noted that over 5,000 Pakistani students are currently studying in Malaysia, benefiting from technical cooperation programs that enhance skills in economic development and governance. The Ambassador reassured that Malaysia provides a safe and conducive educational environment for Pakistani students, particularly female students, allowing them to continue their education with full religious freedom.
The envoy also called for enhanced business-to-business (B2B) engagements, closer ties between the Pakistani and Malaysian Chambers of Commerce, and high-level business delegations to increase the trade volume to USD 5 billion. He pointed out that the current trade volume between the two countries stands at approximately USD 1.5 billion. He also mentioned that over 80,000 Pakistanis are registered as part of the diaspora in Malaysia.
Ambassador Dato' Azhar highlighted the key strengths of both nations, noting that Pakistan has a strong agricultural sector, while Malaysia excels in palm oil production, a key ingredient in various industries, including cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, particularly in the halal sector. He stated that Malaysia, a global leader in the halal industry, is keen to support Pakistan’s efforts to become a regional hub in this sector. He encouraged Pakistan to consider ASEAN as a major trading partner and to leverage Malaysia as a gateway to the ASEAN market, which represents over 670 million people. As the Chairman of ASEAN in 2025, Malaysia welcomed new trade partners and stressed the importance of strengthening economic cooperation within the region.
He also shared information about major international investments in Malaysia, mentioning the recent establishment of Microsoft Oracle and a Taiwanese software company, bringing in approximately USD 1 billion in investment. Additionally, he informed the participants about the opening of a Malaysian Trade Office in Karachi, as announced by the Malaysian Prime Minister last year.
Regarding connectivity, he announced that AirAsia will begin operating flights from Karachi to Kuala Lumpur four times a week, complementing the current three weekly flights by Malindo/Batik Air on the same route.
At the end of the meeting, the President of ICCI presented a commemorative shield to the High Commissioner.
