ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced on Tuesday that Pakistan and Malaysia are enhancing business-to-business connections. He assured that his government is dedicated to making investment and operations easier in Pakistan, particularly in the digital economy.
During a meeting in Kuala Lumpur with Gobi Partners, a Malaysian venture capital firm, Sharif expressed appreciation for the firm’s interest in Pakistan’s startup ecosystem. He emphasized the government’s efforts to improve the business environment and support early-stage investors through specific reforms.
On his three-day visit to Malaysia, Sharif also met with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. The two leaders announced a $200 million halal meat trade quota and committed to greater collaboration in the digital economy, agriculture, and education to strengthen ties between the two countries.
“We are focused on creating a business-friendly environment,” Sharif stated. “Our goal is to mobilize domestic and international capital to build a sustainable startup ecosystem.”
He noted that the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) is actively supporting foreign investors in key economic sectors. Sharif highlighted that Pakistan’s digital economy, including fintech and e-commerce, is crucial to the country’s development strategy.
Gobi Partners, with over $1.6 billion in assets, invests in startups in emerging markets around Malaysia.
The delegation from Gobi expressed interest in partnering with Pakistani firms in financial technology and online commerce.
Later, Sharif received an honorary doctorate in leadership and governance from the International Islamic University Malaysia. In his acceptance speech, he discussed the challenges facing the Muslim Ummah and the importance of upholding values and ethics in leadership.
He expressed hope that his visit would strengthen academic ties between Pakistan and Malaysia, commending IIUM for its integration of knowledge and ethics.
