RAWALPINDI: Malaysia and Pakistan enjoy excellent trade relations and both countries have tremendous potential to increase bilateral trade from the existing level, Malaysian Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad said.
According to a statement issued by the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, Dr Mahathir Mohamad, while addressing the 32nd achievement award ceremony organised by the RCCI in Kuala Lumpur, said his country is committed to providing business-friendly environment and cooperation to anyone who desires to invest here.
“We have identified many areas where we can enhance our relationship with Pakistan. If we increase the volume of bilateral trade, it will be beneficial for both countries,” he maintained.
Dr Mahathir thanked RCCI for convening the business conference and award ceremony in Malaysia and recognised RCCI as the pioneer foreign chamber to organise such an event in Malaysia.
He said Malaysia is looking forward to the establishment of Proton Holdings’ automotive assembly plant in Pakistan. “I would also like to suggest the Malaysian businessmen look into various available trade opportunities in Pakistan, as there exists immense potential to enhance bilateral trade between the two countries,” he said.
He pointed out that Malaysia and Pakistan, being friendly nations with a combined population of 224 million, makes a very large consumer market.
“Our unique relationship and closeness should be tapped so that we can exploit this massive market to our advantage,” he remarked. “In fact, as Malaysia hopes for greater economic cooperation, mutual exchange of knowledge and expansion of trade with Pakistan, we look towards a collaboration of complementing each other,” he said.
Dr Mahathir pointed out that Malaysia and Pakistan need to share their strengths and overcome each other’s weaknesses to emerge as an economic force globally.
“I am happy to note that Prime Minister Imran Khan shares the same sentiments and is very keen to explore all available potential in our bilateral interests,” he said.
The Malaysian PM opined that the business community is the backbone of the economy and therefore both leaders can play significant roles in enhancing bilateral trade between the two countries.
Earlier, RCCI President Malik Shahid Saleem, in his address, said that it was a great honour for the chamber to have the Malaysia PM at the award ceremony, adding that the aim of the ceremony is to promote the true image of Pakistan.
The RCCI president said more than 300 participants representing different sectors, including tourism, pharmaceutical, chemical, plastic, textile, surgical goods, furniture, food and constructions, participated in the event.
