Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has stressed the need for utilising the untapped potential of trade and economic collaboration with Pakistan in diverse areas including minerals, new energy resources, food, industry, and information technology.

In an interview with the PTV News on Friday, he expressed optimism about the future of Pakistan-Malaysia relations. “The time is ripe. I had a detailed discussion with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to pursue collaboration in all these fields.”

Ibrahim said there was “enormous” untapped potential in trade in which bilateral collaboration could help develop the respective economies.

He praised Pakistan’s rich history in education, research and nuclear development, especially during the 1970s.

While reflecting on Malaysia’s progress in the region, particularly in the semiconductor industry and digital transformation, the prime minister said that his country was ahead in the semiconductor industry in the region from which Pakistan could also benefit.

“I chose Pakistan and engaged with its prime minister closely because we both see enormous untapped potential. We can learn from each other and collaborate for mutual benefit,” said Ibrahim.

When asked, he emphasized the importance of collaboration within the ASEAN region and beyond. “ASEAN is fortunate to be considered an economically vibrant region, and the potential is enormous.”

But he stressed the need for working together which was “very crucial.”

As regards the Kashmir issue, the Malaysian prime minister expressed his concern over human rights issues around the world, including in Gaza, Kashmir, and other regions.

Malaysian PM Ibrahim concludes three-day visit

Malaysia PM Ibrahim departed from Pakistan on Friday after completing his three-day state visit to Pakistan, which he said, held a “great personal significance.”

PM Shehbaz, who had received Anwar Ibrahim on his arrival on Wednesday, also saw him off at the airport, accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, federal cabinet members and senior officials.

Ibrahim, accompanied by a high-level delegation of ministers, deputy ministers and senior officials, held a one-on-one meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, led the delegation-level talks and held a “productive discussion” with President Asif Ali Zardari.

Following the visit, the Malaysian prime minister wrote on his X timeline that the “engagements with my counterpart Shehbaz Sharif and President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari, alongside discussions with industry representatives, resulted in productive outcomes encompassing a wide array of mutual interests.”

He said that such interactions underscored the commitment of the highest leadership to enhance relations.

Both sides signed three MoUs to enhance bilateral cooperation in varying sectors. It was also agreed that Pakistan would export Halal meat worth $200 million and 100,000 tonnes of Basmati rice to Malaysia.

“Certainly, there will be increased cooperation in all areas of trade and agricultural technology including meat, rice and palm oil imports by Pakistan, and the two countries will also expand cooperation in the skilled worker sector through critical areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), digital and semiconductors,” Ibrahim added.

Prime Minister Ibrahim was also conferred the Nishan-i-Pakistan award by President Zardari in a special investiture ceremony. He was also conferred an honorary PhD Degree by the National University of Science and Technology, where he also delivered a public lecture.