Karachi : In a bid to strengthen trade relations between Pakistan and Malaysia, Sheikh Umer Rehan, Chairman of the Pakistan Vanaspati Manufacturers Association (PVMA), has called on Malaysia to reduce its export duty on palm oil for Pakistan. He emphasized that this move would help increase palm oil imports and improve the business environment between the two countries under the Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
The call was made during a visit by Malaysian Consul General in Karachi, Herman Hardynata bin Ahmed, to the PVMA. Chairman Sheikh Umer Rehan, Convener Diplomatic Committee Ahmed Ghulam Hussain, Sheikh Kashif Razak, Amin Dada, Nasir Saleem, Noman Ayaz, Nader and others were also present at the ceremony.
Addressing the gathering of industrialists, Sheikh Umer Rehan pointed out that Pakistan currently provides Malaysia with a 15% duty concession on FTA, but there is no reciprocal duty concession for Pakistan’s exports to Malaysia. He urged the Malaysian government to offer a similar duty reduction to Pakistan, which would foster greater trade and cooperation.
“We welcome the ongoing trade relations between our two countries, but there is an urgent need for Malaysia to reconsider its export duties on palm oil to facilitate the growth of our trade relations,” said Sheikh Umer Rehan. He emphasized that reducing export duties would allow Pakistan to significantly increase its palm oil imports from Malaysia.
Malaysian Consul General Herman Hardynata bin Ahmed, in response, assured the attendees that Malaysia would review PVMA’s proposals aimed at improving facilities for palm oil imports and increasing trade. He also expressed Malaysia’s willingness to collaborate with PVMA on palm oil plantation projects in interior Sindh, aiming to expand the palm oil industry in Pakistan. The Consul General emphasized the importance of business-to-business meetings and the exchange of trade delegations to further promote mutual trade.
The Consul General also discussed Malaysia’s growing demand for meat and poultry products, highlighting the potential for Pakistan to export these items. He noted that, aside from textiles, Pakistan has substantial export potential in other sectors such as food grains, agricultural commodities, and seafood. “Pakistan can take full advantage of Malaysia’s import needs, especially in meat, rice, salt, and other agricultural products,” said Herman Hardynata bin Ahmed.
Earlier, PVMA Chairman Sheikh Umer Rehan welcomed the Consul General and reiterated the strong brotherly ties between Pakistan and Malaysia. He pointed out that Pakistan is the largest buyer of palm oil from Malaysia and stressed the importance of continuing to develop trade opportunities.
“We believe that by reducing export duties, Malaysia can significantly increase its palm oil exports to Pakistan. This would be a win-win situation for both countries,” added Rehan. He also suggested that the two countries explore non-traditional goods, barter trade, and increased collaboration in sectors such as technology, tourism, agriculture, and seafood, which could lead to greater economic stability for both nations.
The PVMA Chairman further emphasized that Malaysia should immediately review its palm oil export policies to provide facilities that will increase trade volume. “There are countless opportunities for both countries to benefit from enhanced trade relations, especially in sectors such as fish, shrimp, and other seafood exports,” Rehan added.
The meeting also highlighted the need for both countries to strengthen resources aimed at promoting joint trade and reviewing products beyond traditional sectors. Both sides agreed that fostering deeper economic ties through trade and business exchanges would be crucial for future prosperity.
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