Malaysia calls for stronger economic cooperation with Pakistan

Malaysia is seeking closer economic cooperation with Pakistan in trade, tourism, education and halal products, Business Recorder reported. Malaysian High Commissioner Dato’ Mohammad Azhar Mazlan outlined the opportunities at an event in Islamabad on Thursday, saying the countries’ existing relationship could support mutually beneficial partnerships.

Azhar pointed to Malaysia’s halal expertise and food technology as potential complements to Pakistan’s agriculture and food production. He also cited around 100,000 Pakistanis living in Malaysia and about 5,000 Pakistani students studying there, while describing ASEAN’s roughly $4 trillion economy as an opportunity for wider engagement. Malaysia recorded about 42 million international visitors in 2025 and is targeting 47 million in 2026; its tourism campaign has been extended through 2027.