Pakistan's exports to Malaysia are growing steadily and are expected to cross $280 million by the end of this year on the back of a growing demand for its food products, including rice, fruit and vegetables, in the Malaysian market.
"Bilateral trade between Pakistan and Malaysia grew by 13 percent to hit $2.8 billion in 2011, while Pakistan's exports to Malaysia also increased by 70 percent to $253 million in 2011," said Masood Khalid, outgoing Pakistan High Commissioner to Malaysia, at a farewell reception organised for him by the Malaysia-Pakistani Business Council.
The event, which took place at Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur, was attended by both members of the business council, representatives of civil society, Pakistani community and the officials of Pakistan High Commission in Malaysia. Council's office-bearers, including its Chairman Datuk Mohamad Salim Fateh Din, who has this year been conferred Tamgha-i-Imtiaz (Medal of Distinction) by the Government of Pakistan, were also present.
In his address, Masood Khalid said that although he would miss the environment and people of Malaysia, he could look back with satisfaction over the past two years since taking up the post. He also praised the co-operative efforts championed by Mohamad Salim and the MPBC in furthering business collaboration between the two countries.
Masood, whose next posting will be in Beijing as Pakistan's Ambassador to China, said he looked forward to the new posting, given China's close relationship with his country.
"With China being the new focus in Asia and a country which we have had a long and extensive relationship with, it is an important assignment by any measure. It will be a challenging one," said Masood.