Malaysia To Facilitate Pakistan's Meat Exports To The Country - Anwar

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 6 (Bernama) -- Malaysia will facilitate the export of agricultural and livestock products from Pakistan, including beef and other types of meat, to the country as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral economic cooperation between the two nations, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. 

In agriculture, Malaysia has increased the import of rice from Pakistan, he said at a press conference in conjunction with Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Malaysia today. 

“There is interest to export beef and meat into Malaysia. We will facilitate this, of course. 

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“Since you (Shehbaz) have assured us that the prices will be competitive, we will certainly do what is necessary (to facilitate the meat export mentioned by Shehbaz worth) up to US$200 million,” said Anwar.  

The prime minister also noted that Malaysia and Pakistan have enjoyed friendly federal relations since 1957, when Malaysia achieved its independence -- a decade after Pakistan’s own independence.

“But the historical ties, cultural, educational, research, defence has been established and the ever-expanding economic cooperation has been in the forefront from the beginning. 

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“Our joint aspiration is that we need to further enhance collaboration in all fields,” he said, adding that both countries need to further explore cooperation in areas such as defence, agriculture and renewable energy amid the geopolitical uncertainties.

In addition, Anwar said that Shehbaz has also sought better collaboration between both nations in terms of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), information and communications technology (ICT), innovation, technical and vocational education and training (TVET), digital, electrical and electronics, as well as semiconductor. 

“Pakistan is among the Muslim countries which were clearly far ahead initially in these fields. 

“Therefore, that potential is still there now that there’s stability in the country, and we would certainly welcome any collaboration,” he added.

Shehbaz’s three-day visit starting Oct 5 marked his first official visit to Malaysia since assuming office on March 4, 2024. 

Meanwhile, according to a joint statement, Anwar and Shehbaz recognised the vast potential in trade and investment, and expressed satisfaction with ongoing efforts to enhance bilateral trade and investment. 

The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to promoting balanced and sustainable economic ties through enhanced market access, business facilitation and the effective utilisation of the Malaysia–Pakistan Closer Economic Partnership Agreement (MPCEPA).

Malaysia expressed its intention to expand palm oil exports to Pakistan, in line with increasing demand within Pakistan’s food processing and manufacturing sectors. 

“Both leaders agreed to ensure a stable and sustainable supply chain, while upholding environmentally responsible practices,” said the statement. 

Anwar and Shehbaz also acknowledged the growing global demand for halal products and services. 

The leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation in the halal field and are committed to facilitate mutual recognition of halal certification, strengthen halal food supply and product manufacturing, as well as share best practices of halal certification.

In addition, they also acknowledged the importance of sustainable agricultural practices and agreed to explore joint research, innovation and the development of sustainable agricultural production methods.

-- BERNAMA