Pakistan, Malaysia to Sign Major Deals in Trade, Halal Industry, and Energy

Pakistan and Malaysia are set to sign several key agreements today to boost cooperation in trade, technology, halal industry, and energy. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif began formal talks with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in Putrajaya on Monday. Marking a major step toward strengthening ties between the two countries.

Shehbaz Sharif’s three-day visit, from October 5 to 7, reflects Pakistan’s push to deepen its relations with Southeast Asia. The talks aim to expand economic and digital partnerships while creating new opportunities for investment and collaboration.

The Foreign Office said the two leaders would discuss plans to enhance cooperation in trade, IT and telecom, halal certification, investment, education, infrastructure, and the digital economy. Both sides are also expected to exchange views on regional and global issues, including coordination at the OIC and United Nations.

At the official ceremony, Shehbaz was received with a guard of honor at Perdana Putra, the Malaysian Prime Minister’s Office. The leaders are expected to witness the signing of multiple memorandums of understanding (MoUs) covering both existing and new sectors.

Bilateral trade between Pakistan and Malaysia currently stands at around $1.4 billion a year. Pakistan exports goods worth nearly $515 million. While imports from Malaysia total about $960 million, mainly palm oil, rubber products, and machinery. Pakistan’s major exports include rice, textiles, seafood, and minerals. Officials say both sides are keen to diversify trade into IT services and high-value manufacturing.

The two countries have been trading under the Malaysia-Pakistan Closer Economic Partnership Agreement (MPCEPA) since 2008. Giving each other preferential market access. Last year, both nations agreed to modernize their free trade framework to include digital trade and sustainable industries, paving the way for stronger economic collaboration.

The visit is seen as a milestone in Pakistan’s efforts to expand partnerships beyond South Asia and attract new investments from ASEAN countries. Analysts believe the new agreements will help boost Pakistan’s exports and strengthen Malaysia’s role as a regional trade hub. ARAB NEWS