ISLAMABADF: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has extended an invitation to Malaysian investors to explore opportunities in Balochistan’s mining sector, emphasizing that if Pakistan and Malaysia join hands, they can bid farewell to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) forever.
Addressing the Pakistan–Malaysia Business and Investment Conference in Kuala Lumpur, attended by both Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his Malaysian counterpart Anwar Ibrahim, the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations.
Shehbaz Sharif highlighted that Pakistan was compelled to seek IMF assistance to stabilize its economy, but by fostering collaboration between Pakistani and Malaysian entrepreneurs through joint ventures, both nations could achieve financial independence.
Praising Anwar Ibrahim’s leadership, Shehbaz Sharif said Malaysia’s rapid progress in recent years under his guidance is nothing short of remarkable.
He added that Pakistan and Malaysia have agreed to enhance business cooperation and can jointly supply skilled labor to Gulf countries.
Tourism collaboration between the two nations, he said, could prove to be a game-changer. Pakistan already exports various agricultural products to Malaysia, and with a young population, the country holds immense potential to convert challenges into opportunities.
Promoting Pakistan’s tourism potential, Shehbaz Sharif invited Malaysian investors to explore the scenic northern regions of Gilgit-Baltistan, Skardu, and other breathtaking destinations, home to majestic peaks like Nanga Parbat and K2.
He further noted that Pakistan offers affordable and skilled labor, contributing to economic growth in Gulf and Central Asian countries.
Inflation, once at 36%, has now fallen to single digits, while the interest rate has been reduced to 11%, reflecting economic stability.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, in his speech, welcomed Pakistani companies to invest and trade in Malaysia, asserting that strengthening trade ties could lead to regional economic independence.
He said ASEAN offers a strong platform for growth and emphasized the importance of implementing concrete measures to boost private-sector collaboration.
Anwar Ibrahim noted that Malaysia and Pakistan share longstanding friendly relations, expressing his sentiment in Urdu: “Dosti ka haath kabhi khaali nahi hota” (The hand of friendship is never empty).
He further stressed that regional disputes and global challenges demand internal stability and business-friendly environments.
Through organizations of Islamic nations, he said, Muslim countries can strengthen economic cooperation and expand trade relations for their collective progress.
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Anwar Ibrahim acknowledged Pakistan’s significant role in the Muslim world, appreciated its historic leaders — Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Allama Iqbal — and recognized the contributions of thousands of Pakistani students currently studying in Malaysia as a symbol of the enduring bond between the two nations.
