News From : DagangHalal.com (11 Aug 2010)
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 9 (Bernama) — Malaysia offers great opportunities to Pakistani businessmen and a little focused attention can multiply the existing trade which is at only US$2 billion at the moment, says Masood Khalid, Pakistan High Commissioner designate to Malaysia.
Out of the US$2 billion, Pakistan’s exports amounted to only US$200 million against imports worth US$1.7 billion.
This does not commensurate with the vast potential that exists between the two countries, Masood Khalid said.
Halal food, rice, construction, energy, fruits and veterinary sciences are among the industries offering great potential in Malaysia, he said.
“Despite having an operational Free Trade Agreement with Malaysia for the last two years, Pakistani businessmen have not been able to properly avail of it,” he said in a statement Monday.
Masood Khalid, who is scheduled to arrive here on Wednesday said economic diplomacy was the main focus being pursued by the Pakistan government vigorously and it would have a far-reaching impact on the country’s economic growth.
He said South East Asia was on the priority list of the government, and that it has already embarked on its “East Asia Vision” policy.
“The government is striving to attain the Full Dialogue Partner status in Asean, as at present it has the status of Sectoral Dialogue Partner,” he said.
Becoming a Full Dialogue Partner in Asean would add to the political and economic profile of Pakistan’s engagements in this region, he added.
— BERNAMA