The forum will be held on February 28 aiming to explore avenues for joint investments and business opportunities in Pakistan, said a statement received here from the High Commission of Pakistan in Malaysia. The day-long event being organized jointly by the High Commission of Pakistan to Malaysia and the Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA). The event is likely to serve as an ideal opportunity for businessmen from Pakistan and Malaysia to identify key areas of economic cooperation and forge joint ventures in major sectors, including textile and clothing, rice, fruits, vegetables, sea food, leather, leather products and electronics. Malaysia's Minister for International Trade and Industry (MITI) YB Dato' Sri Mustapa Mohamed will attend and chair the inaugural session of the forum. While Dato' Mohd Nasir Ahmad, President of MIA, Tariq Iqbal Puri, Chairman of Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) and Masood Khalid, Pakistan's High Commissioner to Malaysia, will also speak on the occasion. During the visit, the Pakistani delegation headed by the TDAP Chairman is also scheduled to attend the joint meeting of the Council besides holding separate meetings with key government ministers and officials. Commenting on the Forum, Pakistan High Commissioner Masood Khalid said around 150 businessmen and captains of industry from both sides had confirmed their participation in the forum, including a 30-member business delegation from Pakistan. He hoped the forum would help spur up the already burgeoning bilateral trade which crossed $2.5 billion mark last year, reflecting an upward trend in commercial cooperation following the signing and implementation of the Free Trade Agreement between the two countries in 2008. Pakistan's exports to Malaysia had risen considerably in recent months, registering an impressive 56.16 per cent increase, according to latest trade figures available as of November 2011.