ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Monday that Pakistan wanted to “join hands” with Malaysia for mutually beneficial projects that would bring together expertise from both countries.
Speaking at a joint press conference alongside Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Shehbaz described Malaysia as his “second home,” thanking the Malaysian leader and people for their warm welcome.
“This is my first visit to your great country but believe me, ever since we arrived here last night, I [see] familiar faces — very cordial, very warm — as if we have known each other for ages and that stems from sincerity of purpose and very true friendship. It’s like a family reunion,” he said.
“The way you are focused on building your great country into one of the most strong economies in the region and around the globe speaks volumes about your leadership skills, vision, and dynamism,” he added.
$200 Million Meat Import
Shehbaz also announced that Malaysia had committed to importing $200 million worth of halal meat from Pakistan.
“I am eternally grateful to you,” he said, assuring Malaysian importers that Pakistan would maintain quality and certification standards required by Malaysian authorities.
“It will be regulated by all halal certification required by Malaysian custom and food authorities …. I want to assure you that we will make all possible efforts to meet all your terms and conditions and only on that basis, we will achieve not only this quota of $200m, but in times to come it will increase and have a quantum jump,” he said.
Expanding Economic and Technological Cooperation
Sharif’s three-day visit to Malaysia at Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s invitation, underscores Islamabad’s drive to strengthen partnerships across Southeast Asia and reinvigorate longstanding economic and diplomatic ties with Kuala Lumpur.
PM Shehbaz said he and Ibrahim held “very productive discussions” covering a wide range of bilateral and international issues. “I am very happy that our views converge on almost all important issues,” he said.
He noted that Anwar’s visit to Pakistan last year had further cemented bilateral ties, adding that both sides now aimed to deepen cooperation in trade, technology, and investment.
Malaysia’s exports to Pakistan are dominated by palm oil and other vegetable fats, as well as machinery, rubber products, and organic chemicals, while Pakistan’s main exports to Malaysia include rice, textiles, seafood, and minerals. Officials say there is growing interest in diversifying the trade basket beyond commodities toward IT services, halal certification and higher-value manufactured goods.
“Today, I want to make it publicly known that Pakistan wants to join hands with Malaysia, not only to benefit from your experience, but to have joint ventures, mutually beneficial projects, where Malaysian and Pakistani expertise can come together,” Shehbaz said.
He highlighted Malaysia’s advances in technology and artificial intelligence, saying Pakistan could greatly benefit from its experience in these sectors.
Malaysia Lauds Pakistan’s Role and Gaza Stance
Anwar Ibrahim acknowledged the contribution of Pakistani professionals and students in Malaysia, saying the two countries were expanding cooperation in information technology, science, and engineering.
“Pakistan was among the Muslim countries who were clearly far ahead initially in these fields and that potential is still there,” Anwar said. “Now that we have secured stability in the country, we certainly will welcome further collaboration.”
He also expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s stance on the Gaza crisis, adding that both nations supported US President Donald Trump’s 20-point peace initiative.
“Although Malaysia does express some concerns, at least on the point of cessation of hostilities and stopping the insane bombings and killings by the Zionist Israeli regime, that at least is a clear position taken by Arab countries, Muslim countries, and most of the countries in the world now,” he said.
Pakistan regards Malaysia as a vital partner within ASEAN, and the agreements are expected to open new opportunities in trade and investment in sectors ranging from the halal industry to IT and education.
Bilateral trade between Pakistan and Malaysia currently stands at around $1.4 billion annually, according to official data from both governments. A report in Arab News said Pakistan exported goods worth about $515 million to Malaysia in 2024, while imports from Malaysia were valued at nearly $960 million, leaving Islamabad with a trade deficit of roughly $445 million, according to the State Bank of Pakistan and the Malaysian external trade statistics.
