In a major boost for bilateral relations, Malaysia today announced a $200 million quota for Halal meat imports from Pakistan, a key outcome of high-level talks between Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in Putrajaya.
The commitment on the Halal meat trade was a central focus of the discussions, which covered a comprehensive agenda aimed at strengthening the Strategic Partnership between the two nations. Both leaders vowed to deepen cooperation across various sectors, including trade, the Halal industry, technology, and education.
Halal Industry and Trade Expansion
During a joint press conference, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim confirmed the decision, stating that Malaysia would facilitate Pakistan’s export of beef and other meat products.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif assured his Malaysian counterpart that Pakistan would comply with all required Halal certification requirements and market price mechanisms to meet the new quota. He expressed confidence that the trade volume would be significantly expanded in the future
Beyond the meat quota, the leaders agreed to:
- Strengthen Cooperation in the Halal Field: Including facilitating mutual recognition of Halal certification, strengthening the Halal food supply chain, and sharing best practices.
- Enhance Broader Trade: Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to utilizing the Malaysia-Pakistan Closer Economic Partnership Agreement (MPCEPA) and exploring new avenues for investment and joint ventures.
Focus on Technology and Education
The talks also saw a strong emphasis on future-focused sectors. Both Prime Ministers agreed to explore new collaborations in:
- Information Technology and Digital Economy
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
- Innovation, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Semiconductors
- Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET)
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that Pakistan was keen to “join hands” with Malaysia to benefit from its development expertise and pursue mutually beneficial projects that combine Malaysian know-how with Pakistani talent.
The leaders also witnessed the exchange of several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) across various fields, including Halal certification, tourism, higher education, and anti-corruption cooperation, further cementing the expanding scope of the bilateral relationship.