ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Malaysia have stepped up engagement in halal food, renewable energy and tourism as both countries seek to expand economic cooperation, officials said.
The discussions were held during a meeting between Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Malaysia, Syed Ahsan Raza Shah, and Sarawak Governor Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar.
According to official figures, bilateral trade between Pakistan and Malaysia currently stands at approximately $1.4 billion annually. In October, both sides announced a new $200 million halal meat export quota aimed at strengthening agri-food trade.
Pakistan’s High Commission in Malaysia said the talks covered cooperation in halal food, palm oil, green energy, rice, labour, tourism, culture and sustainable development.
Malaysia’s key exports to Pakistan include palm oil and vegetable fats, machinery, rubber products and organic chemicals. Pakistan mainly exports rice, textiles, seafood and minerals to Malaysia.
The two countries have been trading under the Malaysia–Pakistan Closer Economic Partnership Agreement since 2008, which provides preferential market access for selected goods and services.
Officials said Pakistan is positioning its halal food industry for global markets while expanding renewable energy projects and promoting tourism through its natural landscapes and heritage destinations.
Both sides agreed to continue engagement to identify new investment opportunities and deepen commercial links.
