Pakistan, Malaysia vow to revive partnership deal

Ministers from two sides explore opportunities in AI, auto & aviation sectors

ISLAMABAD:

Pakistan and Malaysia have underscored the need for accelerating the renewal and implementation of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.

Malaysia's Deputy Minister for Investment, Trade and Industry Liew Chin Tong met with Pakistan's Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan on the sidelines of the Business and Investment Conference in Kuala Lumpur. Jam Kamal was accompanying Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during his visit to Malaysia from October 5-7.

During the meeting, the two ministers exchanged views on economic and trade relations. They discussed opportunities for strengthening partnerships across various sectors including IT, AI, semiconductors, automotive, aviation, agro-food and halal trade.

The two leaders witnessed the signing of 11 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) between Pakistani and Malaysian companies in agro-food, export of gelatine and seafood. They reaffirmed the commitment to deepening economic ties, focusing on key sectors including manufacturing, technology and green energy.

Discussions also included potential ventures to boost Pakistan's export capabilities and Malaysia's investments in key industries to foster mutual growth.

In a separate meeting between Jam Kamal and Malaysian Minister for Digital Tuan Gobind Singh Deo, discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in digital and IT sectors.

The two ministers emphasised the growing importance of digital transformation in boosting trade, investment and technological collaboration between Pakistan and Malaysia.

They also exchanged views on expanding e-commerce platforms, facilitating cross-border digital services, strengthening cybersecurity cooperation and promoting joint ventures in emerging technologies such as AI and 5G infrastructure.

They expressed hope that the MoU signed between the Pakistan Software Houses Association and the National Tech Association of Malaysia on cooperation in the IT sector would significantly strengthen and deepen digital linkages.