Malaysia expresses interest in investment opportunities

KARACHI: Malaysia has expressed interest in exploring new trade and investment opportunities with Pakistan, while emphasizing the potential to strengthen cooperation between Malaysian suppliers and Pakistani manufacturers.

While addressing the 59th Annual General Meeting of Pakistan Soap Manufacturers Association (PSMA), Mohd. Yunus Ibrahim, Consul General of Malaysia, highlighted the longstanding and growing economic relationship between Pakistan and Malaysia.

He expressed his country’s interest in exploring further opportunities for trade and investment and emphasized the potential for greater cooperation between Malaysian suppliers and Pakistani manufacturers.

He also noted the opportunities for strengthening trade in palm-based raw materials and other products required by Pakistan’s manufacturing sector.

Mohd. Yunus Ibrahim expressed the hope that the existing trade relationship between the two countries would continue to expand, and that greater business-to-business cooperation would create new opportunities for both Malaysian and Pakistani enterprises. Syofian, Consul for Economic Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, attended the event as Guests of Honour.

On the occasion, Usman Ahmed, Chairman PSMA for the 2026-28 highlighted the important role of Pakistan’s soap industry in meeting the country’s essential hygiene requirements and contributing to manufacturing activity, employment, trade and government revenues.

He noted that the industry is currently operating in a challenging economic environment, facing pressures from international prices of essential raw materials, exchange-rate movements, energy and utility costs, financing requirements, taxation and regulatory compliance.

He particularly highlighted Pakistan’s dependence on imported palm-based and fatty raw materials and emphasized the need for a rational and competitive tariff structure for essential raw materials which are not sufficiently available locally.

Usman also called for a level playing field between compliant manufacturers and businesses operating outside the formal regulatory framework. He emphasized the importance of addressing smuggling, under-invoicing and the availability of substandard products while ensuring that legitimate trade and manufacturing remain facilitated.

He said that PSMA would seek to strengthen structured engagement between industry and government and promote evidence-based policy recommendations for the development of Pakistan’s manufacturing sector.

Abdullah Zaki, newly elected Senior Vice Chairman of PSMA, thanked the outgoing Chairman Asif Iqbal Paracha and the outgoing office bearers for their valuable efforts, contributions and achievements during their tenure.

He appreciated their services to the Association and the soap industry and expressed his gratitude to all PSMA members for their participation and presence at the AGM. He conveyed his commitment to working together with the newly elected office bearers and members for the continued progress and development of the Association.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026