Pakistan has struck a major breakthrough in trade relations with Malaysia after securing a $200 million halal meat export agreement, following what Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described as “exceptionally productive” talks with his Malaysian counterpart, Anwar Ibrahim, in Putrajaya on Monday.
The deal is considered a significant milestone for Pakistan’s growing halal meat industry and is expected to boost exports while creating thousands of jobs at home.
Speaking at a joint press conference, Prime Minister Shehbaz said both countries had agreed to strengthen cooperation in trade, defence, technology, and emerging digital industries. He noted that Pakistan could learn much from Malaysia’s success in information technology and artificial intelligence, areas where the two sides plan to collaborate closely.
“I am showing gratitude to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and the people of Malaysia for their trust,” Shehbaz said. “Pakistan will ensure the highest standards of quality and halal certification to meet Malaysia’s requirements.”
He also claimed that Malaysia had also increased its import of Pakistani rice, and both countries were exploring the latest kind of opportunities in agriculture and food processing.
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Prime Minister Anwar, recalling the “historic friendship” between the two nations, said Malaysia and Pakistan shared a common vision for economic growth, peace, and cooperation. He welcomed the meat import agreement and expressed confidence that trade ties would continue to expand.
Both leaders have witnessed the signing of several memorandums of understanding during the visit covering higher education, halal certification, anti-corruption cooperation, tourism, and small and medium enterprises.
At the Pakistan–Malaysia Business Forum, Shehbaz urged the private sector to take the lead in boosting trade and investment, saying that governments can only “lay the foundation — it’s businesses that drive real growth.”
Prime Minister Shehbaz was along by Deputy PM Ishaq Dar, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, and Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi.
The visit, officials said, will inject new energy into Pakistan–Malaysia relations, setting the stage for deeper cooperation in trade, technology, and regional development.