PAKISTAN LOOKING TO GREATER ECONOMIC LINK WITH MALAYSIA

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 Southeast 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


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