‘Pakistan welcomes Malaysian tourists’

LAHORE: “Malaysia has expressed willingness to cooperate for tourism development. This will help strengthen bilateral ties,” Minister for Education, Youth and Tourism Rana Mashhood said at a seminar on Monday.

Malaysian High Commissioner to Pakistan Hasrul Sani bin Mujtabar was also present.



Mashhood welcomed Malindo Air to Pakistan saying that the launch of its flight operation would promote business and tourism in the two countries. “There is huge scope for cooperation in energy, tourism, telecommunications, vocational training and financial services,” the minister said.

He said Malaysia was among the countries whose major source of foreign exchange was tourism. “Pakistan should benefit from Malaysia’s expertise to promote tourism.

We are blessed with some of the most beautiful places, including mountains and deserts.

We have a rich culture,” Mashhood said.

The minister said he would play his part to introduce joint tourism packages for tourists from the two countries. “I will request the Pakistani high commissioner in Malaysia to encourage Malaysian tourists to visit Pakistan,” he said.

Mashood said the provincial government was taking steps to improve infrastructure and security.

He said the Punjab Cultural Heritage and Economic Growth Project was a step towards promoting tourism. “An international workshop has been planned in Lahore on March 28 and 29. I am looking forward to Malaysia’s participation,” the minister said.

He praised the proposal to teach Malaysian language in the Punjab University saying that he would ask the vice chancellor to start a programme in this regard.



The Malaysian high commissioner said that Malaysian universities were offering quality and affordable education. “A number of Pakistani students are already studying in Malaysia. Malaysia can meet its manpower requirements by benefitting from Pakistani skilled workers.”

Published in The Express Tribune, March 8^th, 2016.