In this regard, Nafees Zakaria advised KCCI to carry out a detailed study which must focus on identifying those Pakistani products and services which can be exported to Malaysian market. "Although it is a small market of 30 million population, other important markets within the proximity of Malaysia including Vietnam, Thailand and Brunei must also be taken into consideration," he suggested, asking the KCCI officials to also include this aspect in the study so that these could also be tapped by Pakistani exporters.
Similarly, he further said, Malaysian business community could also explore opportunities available not only in Pakistan but also in its neighbouring countries. Zakaria said a state-of-the-art Display Centre would be established at Pakistan's High Commission in Malaysia with the support and cooperation of the business/ industrial community. He said that a single country exhibition would also be organized in Malaysia in April, 2018. He said that it would be made sure that this exhibition should not be held on the dates of the KCCI's My Karachi Exhibition which is also set to be held in April.
The envoy requested Karachi Chamber to ensure its participation in the single country exhibition in Malaysia and help identify numerous sectors which should be focused at the planned event. He assured that during his three-year long tenure, he would make all-out efforts to rebuild the image of Pakistan and improve its perception by highlighting the true colours and actual potential of his country. He said he was fully committed but he could achieve the desired goals without the support and cooperation of business community. He vowed to strive to look for the right Malaysian businessmen and industrialists, particularly from the Pakistani diaspora who are keen to enhance trade with Pakistan
"I will not only be focusing on enhancing trade but will equally be concentrating on furthering the political relations which are also essential to facilitate trade," he asserted. Zakaria was of the opinion that Pakistan's exports had been shrinking as the industrialization had squeezed and the local production was narrowing, leaving no surplus for exports. He said that the value addition was also being ignored by Pakistani manufacturers and raw material was largely being exported which was the basic reason behind the descending exports.
Citing the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project, he advised KCCI to fully involve in this project by constantly remaining in touch with the Planning Division as it has been observed that the business community is not much acquainted with the significance and developments of this project. "Business community of Karachi must identify the areas of investment in CPEC project and accordingly devise strategies to fully benefit from this project," he urged.
KCCI president Muffasar Atta Malik pointed out that Pakistan exported goods worth $138.53 million to Malaysia whereas its imports stood at $924.52 million, indicating the overall trade volume heavily in favour of Malaysia. He asked Zakaria that High Commission must take serious steps to make trade volume between the two countries balanced and KCCI would support if any initiative in this regard is taken.
"To improve Pakistan's trade and investment ties with Malaysia, the paramount interest of Pakistan's High Commission should be to rebuild the image of Pakistan, particularly Karachi where the security situation has substantially improved," he exhorted. On CPEC, KCCI president said, the government has been facilitating the Chinese business community only whereas not much attention was being given to the business and industrial community of Karachi.
"CPEC will not be successful if the government continues to pay attention to Chinese businessmen and investors only, while the local business community is largely ignored," he alerted. Malik was of the view that the business community of Karachi, which deserves to be saluted, continued to carry out their activities despite so many odds including widespread corruption, poor law and order, rigid taxation policies and massive discretionary powers. He said business community of Karachi requires a level playing field and one-window operations in order to enhance exports.
He also sought High Commissioner's assistance for promoting Karachi Chamber's 15th My Karachi - Oasis of Harmony Exhibition, effectively, amongst Malaysian business community. He said the three-day exhibition scheduled to be held on April 20-22, next year, will provide a perfect opportunity to Malaysian business community to showcase their products and services in front of more than 1 million visitors. Senior vice president Abdul Basit Abdul Razzak, vice president Rehan Hanif, former President Majyd Aziz and KCCI Managing Committee members were also present at the meeting.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2017