H.E. MOHD KHALID ABDUL RAZAK, CONSUL GENERAL OF MALAYSIA IN KARACHI, PAKISTAN,

NATIONAL DAY MESSAGE FROM
H.E. MOHD KHALID ABDUL RAZAK,
CONSUL GENERAL OF MALAYSIA IN KARACHI, PAKISTAN,
31 AUGUST 2010

Karachi: This year marks the 53rd Anniversary of the National Day of Malaysia which was founded in 31st August 1957. On the auspicious occasion of the National Day of Malaysia, it gives me great pleasure to address the distinguished readers of this esteem daily. I also would like to take this opportunity to express our sympathies on the loss of lives and property in the unprecedented floods and assure Malaysia’s continues support and solidarity with the Government and the people of Pakistan in meeting these challenges.

The world is experiencing unprecedented displacements and distortions to the global financial order. As the world is recovering from the financial meltdown and economic downturn, the Government of Malaysia had recently develop a new economic model that would elevate Malaysia’s status from an upper middle income to a high income nation and set a target to be ranked the 10th largest trading nation in the world by 2020. Malaysia continues to become an international and preferred hub for Islamic financial and banking, halal industries, tourism destinations and higher educational centres of excellence.

Malaysia and Pakistan established diplomatic relations in 1957 and throughout the five decades, both countries relations have been very close and friendly. Both countries share similar, if not identical positions on many international and regional issues.

Trade and investment still remains as the major cornerstone of both countries relations. The bilateral trade and investment between Malaysia and Pakistan is constantly expanding. In the first eight months of financial year 2009-2010, Malaysia has emerged as top importer from Pakistan among 10 ASEAN Member States with an import of US$143.38 million. Trade between Malaysia and Pakistan crossed US$1.85 billion or RM6.27 billion in 2009. Malaysia ranked among the top ten countries maintaining Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) to Pakistan. It is heartening to note that, in 2009, export from Pakistan to Malaysia witnessed unprecedented increase of 24.60 % as compare with the same corresponding period in 2008.

After serving in Karachi for more than 2 years now, I am confident that our two countries will reach greater heights in our relations and further develop new areas of cooperation for mutual benefits especially between Malaysian and Pakistani private sectors.

On this auspicious occasion, I would like to take this opportunity to extend my warm greetings and best wishes to all fellow Malaysians living and working in Karachi, Sindh and Balochistan. I pray to Allah Almighty for the continued peace, progress and prosperity of Pakistan and its people. May the brotherly and friendly relations that our two countries and the people enjoy continue to be strengthened as we progress. Let me conclude on a more personal note by expressing my appreciation and gratitude to all partners and friends from public and private sectors in Karachi especially to the `Media Fraternity’ for their continuous goodwill and support. ~Long live the brotherly relationship of our two countries and may Allah Almighty bless and protect Pakistan~.