24/10/2011 (The News International) - Malaysian investors have been urged to expand trade agreement with Pakistan beyond exporting palm oil and consider purchase of textile, rice, vegetable and fruits, an official said.

“The expansion in trade will be in favour of Malaysia,” said Bashir Jan Mohammad, Chairman, Pakistan-Malaysia Business Council, at a meeting with the Malaysian trade mission on Friday evening.

Bashir said that Malaysia should focus on joint ventures with their Pakistani counterparts. There are opportunities of joint ventures in the energy sector as the country faces energy crisis, he said.

Pakistan is purchasing $2 billion palm oil from the Malaysian market, which is the second largest import of the country after oil, said Mohammad.

“Malaysia is importing rice, cotton and seafood worth mere $194 million,” he said.

The trade mission was headed by Malaysian Consul General Abu Bakar Mamat. Senator Haji Ghulam Ali, President, Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), and other members were also present during the meeting.

At present, the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry president said Malaysia should play its role as a Muslim brother country.

“The successful expo exhibition in Karachi has mild the security concern about the country,” he added.

Khalid Tawab and Dawood Usman Jhakura, vice presidents of FPCCI, also shared their views to boost Pakistan-Malaysia trade.