*RAWALPINDI*: Malaysia and Pakistan enjoy excellent trade relations andboth countries have tremendous potential to increase bilateral trade fromthe existing level, Malaysian Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad said.
According to a statement issued by the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce onWednesday, Dr Mahathir Mohamad, while addressing the 32nd achievement awardceremony organised by the RCCI in Kuala Lumpur, said his country iscommitted to providing business-friendly environment and cooperation toanyone who desires to invest here.
“We have identified many areas where we can enhance our relationship withPakistan. If we increase the volume of bilateral trade, it will bebeneficial for both countries,” he maintained.
Dr Mahathir thanked RCCI for convening the business conference and awardceremony in Malaysia and recognised RCCI as the pioneer foreign chamber toorganise such an event in Malaysia.
He said Malaysia is looking forward to the establishment of ProtonHoldings’ automotive assembly plant in Pakistan. “I would also like tosuggest the Malaysian businessmen look into various available tradeopportunities in Pakistan, as there exists immense potential to enhancebilateral trade between the two countries,” he said.
He pointed out that Malaysia and Pakistan, being friendly nations with acombined population of 224 million, makes a very large consumer market.
“Our unique relationship and closeness should be tapped so that we canexploit this massive market to our advantage,” he remarked. “In fact, asMalaysia hopes for greater economic cooperation, mutual exchange ofknowledge and expansion of trade with Pakistan, we look towards acollaboration of complementing each other,” he said.
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Dr Mahathir pointed out that Malaysia and Pakistan need to share theirstrengths and overcome each other’s weaknesses to emerge as an economicforce globally.
“I am happy to note that Prime Minister Imran Khan shares the samesentiments and is very keen to explore all available potential in ourbilateral interests,” he said.
The Malaysian PM opined that the business community is the backbone of theeconomy and therefore both leaders can play significant roles in enhancingbilateral trade between the two countries.
Earlier, RCCI President Malik Shahid Saleem, in his address, said that itwas a great honour for the chamber to have the Malaysia PM at the awardceremony, adding that the aim of the ceremony is to promote the true imageof Pakistan.
The RCCI president said more than 300 participants representing differentsectors, including tourism, pharmaceutical, chemical, plastic, textile,surgical goods, furniture, food and constructions, participated in theevent.
