SWAT: Malaysian Ambassador to Pakistan Dato’ Mohammad Azhar Mazlan visited the Swat Chamber of Commerce and Industry, where both sides discussed expanding cooperation in trade, investment, tourism, education and industrial development.
The meeting focused on strengthening direct business links between Swat and Malaysia, promoting investment opportunities in the valley and creating more educational and commercial exchanges for entrepreneurs and students from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Swat Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Noor Muhammad Khan briefed the ambassador on the region’s economic potential, including handicrafts, marble, minerals, agriculture and tourism.
He said Swat offered opportunities for foreign investors because of its natural resources, skilled workforce and growing tourism sector.
Trade Delegations and Business Exchanges Discussed
Ambassador Mazlan said Pakistan and Malaysia shared longstanding relations and should further expand economic cooperation.
He said efforts would be made to arrange a visit by a Malaysian chamber of commerce delegation to Swat. Members of the Swat Chamber could also be invited to Malaysia for business and study tours to strengthen direct links between companies and investors.
The envoy said people from Pakistan, particularly Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, were known in Malaysia for their hard work and business skills.
He added that more than 100,000 people from Buner were living and working in Malaysia, where many had established businesses and contributed to the local economy.
Mazlan also referred to economic agreements signed during Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s visit to Pakistan, saying work on their implementation was continuing.
Tourism Potential Highlighted
The ambassador described Swat as a peaceful and scenic tourist destination and praised the hospitality of local communities.
He said Malaysian tourists were increasingly visiting the valley because of its natural beauty and cultural appeal.
Both sides discussed ways to promote Swat as a destination for international visitors and to strengthen cooperation between tourism operators in Pakistan and Malaysia.
Malaysia Seeks Wider Education Cooperation
Highlighting educational ties, Mazlan said more than 5,000 Pakistani students were studying at Malaysian universities, including many scholarship recipients.
He said Malaysia was interested in creating additional educational opportunities for students from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, particularly Swat.
The meeting also covered possible academic exchanges, scholarships and institutional partnerships between universities and educational organisations in the two countries.
Regional Tensions Affect Global Trade
Commenting on the regional situation, the ambassador said conflict and instability in the Middle East had disrupted international trade and supply chains.
He said Malaysia’s exports, including petroleum-related trade, had been affected by regional tensions.
Mazlan said Malaysia supported peace, dialogue and de-escalation and would continue its diplomatic efforts to promote regional stability.
The meeting was attended by SCCI Vice President Khalid Khan, Secretary General Naveed Javed, former president Rahat Ali Khan and other chamber members.
The Malaysian delegation included Wan Zeti Rafina, Shahida, Irfan Khan and Shafiullah Qureshi.
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