Abdullah holds talks on FTA move
The Star, Malaysia
17 February 2005
Abdullah holds talks on FTA move
BY PAUL GABRIEL
ISLAMABAD: Malaysia has decided on several fresh moves in Pakistan’s favour, including agreeing to accept it as a source country for labour.
The moves will also see Bank Islam setting up a branch in Pakistan to help stimulate the banking industry, while insurance company Takaful would also expand here.
Malaysia will also lend its expertise in the Information Communications Technology (ICT) field to the country.
On the trade front, both countries want to break new ground by moving towards a bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
These measures were decided during talks between Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and his Pakistani counterpart Shaukat Aziz here.
“I had extensive discussions with Prime Minister Shaukat and am happy to announce that we are moving the relationship forward,” said Abdullah.
The Prime Minister, who arrived on Tuesday with six Cabinet colleagues and a 60-member business delegation, was accorded a ceremonial welcome at Shaukat’s official residence.
He said Malaysia had not decided on when to start accepting Pakistani workers.
“We will decide on the mechanics later. But we have decided that they can come,” Abdullah said.
In return, he said Pakistan agreed to consider awarding infrastructure projects to Malaysian firms.
On the international front, the Prime Minister, who also chairs the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) and Non-Aligned Movement, said Shaukat briefed him on the improving political environment between Pakistan and India.
“Nobody will be happier than Malaysia with lasting peace between Pakistan and India,” he said.
