Rawalpindi: Malaysian High Commissioner Dr. Hasrul Sani Mujtabar along with twelve member trade delegation visited the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) here on Thursday.

The delegation was representing various sectors including Tourism, Hotel Industry, Food Processing, Beverages, Halal Food, manufacturing, plastic, cosmetics, sea food etc. Speaking at the occasion, Hasrul Sani appreciated the role of RCCI in promoting regional trade and said there was an urgent need to focus on diversification of trade for improving trade volume.

The high commissioner emphasized on increasing networking and exchange of delegations. He said we have noticed an improved security situation in the country and we would like to have joint ventures in different sectors including Halal food and services sector. He said Malaysia could help Pakistan in designing and construction of industrial parks, hotels, tourism, SMEs and other sectors.

In his welcome address, President RCCI Raja Amer Iqbal said that Pak-Malaysia signed free trade agreement (FTA) in 2007 had not achieved the desired results despite potential. He stressed that both countries should focus on new products to improve two-way trade.  China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is an emerging opportunity and this give more options to different countries including Malaysia to tap in growing opportunities in Pakistan. CPEC is not restricted to any one country, he added.