Pakistan and Malaysia integral partners in BRI: Malaysian envoy

Islamabad: High Commissioner (HC) of Malaysia to Pakistan, Ambassador Mohammad Azhar Mazlan said on Sunday afternoon that Pakistan and Malaysia are integral partners in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), with Pakistan implementing the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) under the BRI framework.

Speaking at a ceremony honoring Pakistan’s former participants of the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Program (MTCP), the High Commissioner emphasized the untapped potential for growth.

He said the annual bilateral trade volume between Pakistan and Malaysia has surpassed USD $1.8 billion and both nations are determined to further strengthen their trade and investment collaboration in multiple sectors.

The High Commissioner emphasized the untapped potential for growth, stating that “Pakistan and Malaysia have the capacity to increase trade volume up to USD $ 10 billion annually.”

He underscored the significance of mutual collaboration, given that both Pakistan and Malaysia are integral partners in the BRI.

Ambassador Mazlan added: “We believe in fostering stronger ties between our two nations and leveraging our respective strengths for mutual growth and prosperity. Together, we can achieve remarkable outcomes and create a brighter future for both Malaysia and Pakistan.”

The High Commissioner highlighted MTCP’s history and success since its inception in 1980, spanning an impressive 43 years.

Under this program, around 764 Pakistani officials have received training in various crucial sectors, including nation-building, anti-corruption, Islamic finance, taxation, counterterrorism and good governance.

The High Commissioner expressed immense pride in this program, considering it an essential foreign policy tool for Malaysia.