Malaysia eyes agriculture

Pakistan was the second largest trading partner of Malaysia in South East Asia last year, therefore both the countries should make efforts to take these relations to a new height by aggressively exploring opportunities for joint ventures in various sectors. These remarks were made by High Commissioner of Malaysia to Pakistan Dr. Hasrul Sani Bin Mujtaba during a meeting with Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), President, Yassar Sakhi Butt here on Saturday. He said that Pakistan produces quality and affordable agricultural products especially Pakistani rice and mangoes have great demand in Malaysian markets while Malaysia complements this with its expertise and more access to ASEAN trade civility of free trade agreements. Malaysian High Commissioner was optimistic that bilateral trade volume of Pakistan and Malaysia could be increased by finding new avenues of opportunities and cooperation. He also assured that his country would increase volume of import of Pakistani agro-products which would enhance bilateral trade relation between two countries. Speaking on the occasion, Yassar Sakhi Butt said that current increase in bilateral trade between Pakistan and Malaysia was subsequent to the signing of FTA between the two countries in 2007 but Pakistan’s share in the bilateral trade was only $257 million, which had tilted the balance of trade heavily in favour of Malaysia, thus, there was a dire need to balance this gap by increasing export of Pakistani products to Malaysia. He called on the Malaysian business community to take advantage of vast Pakistani market and investment opportunities in agriculture, construction, livestock and dairy, energy, education, IT and Halal industry sectors. Yassar Sakhi Butt was of the view that organizing of joint cultural events was the option which could be used to bring people of both nations closer to each other as well as exploit untapped bilateral trade and investment potential in both countries. ICCI President said that all Muslim countries should further promote and strengthen their economic ties and cooperation for exploiting the existing potential and ensuring maximum possible trade exchange.
‘Food self-sufficiency must for sustainable development’

Due to the hard work of agri-scientists and introduction of modern technologies in the field of agriculture, the country is heading towards achieving self-sufficiency in food production. This was stated by the newly appointed Pakistan Agriculture Research Council (PARC), Chairman, Dr. Iftikhar Ahmad while addressing the senior scientists and employees of the council here on Friday. He stressed the need of trickling down benefits of modern research and techniques to farmers for promoting agri-sector in the country. He said that achieving the self-sufficiency in agri production was the priority for which all possible resources would be utilized. He said the provinces and all other stakeholder will be taken on-board for chalking out a comprehensive policy on agri sector for sustainable growth. The council will approach the Ministry of National Food Security and Research and Ministry of Finance for the early release of funds for the completion of ongoing research projects for the welfare of growers.