Pakistan
has strongly condemned the attack on the Saudi consulate general’s car
in Karachi resulting in the death of an official of the diplomatic
mission.
The minister of state for foreign affairs Ms. Hina Rabbani Khar spoke to
the Saudi foreign minister prince Saud Al Faisal on phone and expressed
her shock and anger over the killing and assured that a full
investigation into the incident was underway and that perpetrators of
the crime will be brought to justice. The minister of state expressed
her profound sympathies for the family of the deceased Saudi official.
Pakistan government should investigate how Osama bin Laden managed to
hide in a compound in Abbottabad, Says Haqqani
Washington:
In an interview to US TV, Pakistan’s ambassador to US Husain Haqqani
said he didn’t know whether the al-Qaeda leader had help from his the
government or military to stay concealed in Abbottabad, adding he did
not think that speculations were going to solve the problem. "What we
need now was for Pakistan’s elected leaders to exercise the leadership
and get to the bottom of the matter," Haqqani said, during the
interview.
Haqqani urged patience, saying said the US shouldn’t rush to judgment
about whether to withdraw military aid or to put undue pressure on the
Pakistani government.
It
would be catastrophic if any other country even thinks of following the
example of the United States, Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir Islamabad: Breaking the silence foreign Secretary Salman Bashir said in
a press conference today, "We feel that that sort of misadventure
or miscalculation would result in a terrible catastrophe". He further
said that "There should be no doubt Pakistan has adequate capacity to
ensure its own defence."
The
battle against Al-Qaeda continues despite Osama bin Laden’s death,
Clinton
Rome: The battle against Al-Qaeda continues
despite Osama bin Laden’s death, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton
said on Thursday on her first foreign visit since US commandos shot the
Al-Qaeda leader dead.
“Let us not forget that the battle to stop Al-Qaeda and its affiliates
does not end with one death. We have to renew our resolve,” Clinton said
at a joint press conference with Italian Foreign Minister Franco
Frattini.
Pakistan
either incompetent or involved: Leon Panetta
Washington: While giving a closed-doors
briefing to the House members, Panetta told lawmakers "either they were
involved or incompetent. Neither place is a good place to be."
Panetta was responding to a question from a member of Congress about
Pakistan, which was the first question of the hour-long classified
briefing, sources told foreign news organisation. He said that it would
not be in the United States' best interests to retaliate against
Pakistan over Osama bin Laden's presence in that country.
Pakistan and
Iran have decided to formulate a five year strategic plan to
triple the level of their bilateral trade. This
has been agreed at a meeting of Pak-Iran Joint Trade
Committee in Islamabad. Minister for Commerce Makhdoom Amin
Fahim led Pakistan delegation while Iranian delegation was
headed by Commerce Minister Dr. Mehdi Ghazanfari. The
meeting decided to constitute a joint working group
comprising representatives of public and private sectors to
take stock of annual target of twenty-five percent increase
in bilateral trade. The two sides also decided to explore
the possibility of Free Trade Agreement.
China-South Asia
Business Forum
Established in 2004, China-South Asia Business
Forum( CSABF) has been actively involved in promoting trade
between China and eight nations of South Asia under the
joint management of SAARC Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SAARC
CCI) and China Council for Promotion of International Trade
(CCPIT) Yunann sub-council, Kunming, China.
The
American Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff has warned that abandoning
Pakistan would be a dangerous mistake in the war against terror.
US Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Mike Mulen has admitted
setbacks in cooperation with Pakistan and warned it would be a dangerous
mistake to abandon the war partnership. Talking to newsmen in
Washington, he feared that if the United States again scaled back its
involvement as we did in 1990s after Russian withdrawal from
Afghanistan, it would create instability, which will be much more
dangerous. He said Pakistan Army gives high priority to the sovereignty
of the country which is precious to them as we do.
کسی
طاقت کو پاکستان کی طرف میلی آنکھ سے دیکھنے کی اجازت نہیں
دینگے، چینی وزیراعظم وین جیاباؤ
چینی وزیراعظم وین جیاباؤ نے کہا
ہے کہ پاکستان کی علاقائی سلامتی، آزادی اور خودمختاری کا
احترام کیا جائے، امریکہ کو پاکستان کی مشکلات کا احساس کرنا
چاہئے کسی بھی ملک کو پاکستان میں مداخلت کا حق نہیں،انہوں
نے یہ باتیں وزیراعظم یوسف رضا گیلانی کے ساتھ
ملاقات کے بعد ۔ ۔۔۔مزید
Malaysia Conferred
`Diamond Trade & Investment Award’
KARACHI - At
the inaugural Diplomatic & Foreign Investment Award 2010 ceremony held
on 7 May 2011 in Karachi, Malaysia was conferred with a Diamond Trade
and Investment Award. The event organised by Diplomatic Call
International Magazine is held as to acknowledge and recognise
...more
An
Exclusive Interview of Dr. Ghulam Mujtaba
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
The
Afghan President, Hamid Karzai has categorically stated that Indian
presence in Afghanistan cannot be used against the brotherly country
Pakistan. In
an interview with Pakistan's national TV he lauded the role of Pakistan
for enhanced cooperation with Afghanistan to achieve peace and stability
in the region and socio-economic uplift of his country. To a question,
he agreed that relations between the two countries have improved a lot
during the current PPP government. To another question, President Karzai
said that Afghan people have to bear responsibility for protecting their
country and strengthening peace and stability.
Prime
Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has called upon the investors and
friendly countries to invest in mega projects like
Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India gas pipeline.
He was addressing a joint news conference with Afghan President Hamid
Karzai in Islamabad. The Prime Minister said that speedy completion and
implementation of these projects would change the regional horizon and
people's destinies. To a question, the Prime Minister said the
importance of Pakistan-Afghanistan-US cooperation for regional peace is
indispensable. The Afghan President said there is a need to work
diligently to ensure peace and security in the region. He said
Afghanistan is committed to expand relations with Pakistan in all
fields. The Afghan President has now returned home.
Pakistan’s
leadership has welcomed the clear affirmation by Senator Kerry that US
has no designs against Pakistan’s nuclear and strategic assets.
In a meeting with President Asif Ali Zardari and Senator John Kerry
where the Prime Minister and chief of the army staff were also present ,
John Kerry stated that he was prepared to personally affirm such a
guarantee regarding Pakistans nuclear assets.
In furtherance of its existing commitment to fight terrorism, Pakistan
agreed to take several immediate steps to underscore its seriousness in
renewing the full cooperative effort with the United States. Pakistan
and the US also agreed that both countries must recognize and respect
each other’s national interests, particularly in countering terrorism
and in working together for promoting reconciliation and peace in
Afghanistan.
It was agreed that all tracks of US-Pakistan engagement need to be
revisited, with a view to creating a clear understanding on ways and
means to carry forward their cooperation, in a mutually-beneficial
manner. It was conveyed during the meeting that the secrecy surrounding
the operation was strictly for reasons of operational security and not
of mistrust of Pakistani leadership. Senior US officials will visit
Pakistan soon to have further discussions on the way forward and to
complete preparatory work for secretary of state Clinton’s visit to
Pakistan in the near future. It was agreed that the two sides would
intensify their engagement through official channels and that negative
media messages were misplaced and detrimental to the core national
interests of both US and Pakistan.
CIA has begun showing lawmakers death photos of slain al Qaeda chief
Osama bin Laden that President Barack Obama said were too gruesome to be
released to the public.
"Absolutely, no question about it.
I've seen them. That was him. He's gone. He's history," US Senator.
Washington:
Senator James Inhofe, a Republican from Oklahoma, said he was shown 15
photographs taken of bin Laden after he was killed in a US commando raid
on May 2. In an interview with American TV, Inhofe agreed that the
photos taken immediately in the compound in Pakistan immediately after
bin Laden was killed were "pretty gruesome."
"One of the shots went through an ear and out through the eye socket. Or
it went in through the eye socket and out -- then exploded," he said.
"That caused the brains to hang out of the eye socket, so that was
pretty gruesome."
Three photos were taken after bin Laden's body was removed from the
compound and flown to a US aircraft carrier in the Arabian Sea, Inhofe
said. They show the al Qaeda leader's body being washed and prepared for
burial according to Muslim rites, and then lowered into the sea, he
said.
"They had taken enough blood and material off his face so it was easier
to identify who it was," Inhofe said. "Then of course the burial at sea,
had the transition -- first of all, identifying who it was. Then of
course the fact that they buried him at sea," he said.
Inhofe said he had no doubt the man was bin Laden.
Malaysia has
every thing to offer, says H.E Mr. Khalid Abdul Razak
Buy an Apartment
in a Malaysian Resort & get rent immediately, says Dato
Alexander
Iranian Consul General Abbas Ali Abdollahi on Thursday called
the Holy Prophet of Islam Benefactor of Humanity and said the
roots of Iran’s Islamic revolution lay in the new world order
ushered in by the Last Prophet (peace be upon him).
H E
Abbas Ali Abdollahi Consul Gen of Iran’s Address on 32nd
Anniversary of Islamic Revolution
H E
Abbas Ali Abdollahi's Address
Dignitaries
present on this occasion
National Anthems of Iran and Pakistan
Cake Cutting Ceremony
Karachi (10 Feb 2011): Speaking on the occasion of the 32nd
anniversary of Iran’s Islamic revolution, Mr Abdollahi said this
year was especially auspicious because the anniversary of the
revolution coincided with Rabi-ul-Awwal.
Iran had made
amazing progress in economy and technology, including nuclear
technology, and had surprised the world by the resilience its
people had shown.
Quoting verses from Allama Iqbal, he said the Poet of the East
had predicted Iran’s revolution, and asserted that the people of
Pakistan and Iran were united in indissoluble links of religion
and culture and were one people living in two
countries.Relations between Pakistan and Iran were closer than
ever before, and the volume of trade between the two countries
had increased to $1.3 billion. Over the last three decades, he said, Iran had made amazing
progress in economy and technology, including nuclear
technology, and had surprised the world by the resilience its
people had shown. The revolution led by Imam Khomeini, he said,
had stunned the world, especially those governments which had
the latest means of collecting information and intelligence at
their disposal. The revolution, he said, had enabled Iran to
break free from superpower politics and deal with all nations of
the world on a footing of equality.
The consul general was lustily cheered, because he spoke in
Urdu. Sindh Assembly Speaker Nisar Khuhro and MQM leader Dr
Sattar Farooq cut the cake.The reception was attended by
diplomats, ulema and business leaders.
Even Non Muslims are now
Preferring Halal Certified Products, says Ambassador (R) Sibte
Yahya, Chief Executive of Halal Business Development Centre
Iran, Bangaladesh, Sri Lanka and Switzer Land's new
consul Generals gathered in a dinner by Mr. Farukh Mazher in Karachi. Mian
Zahid Hussain , S. M. Munir, Anjum Nisar and President KCCI and other renowned
personalities were also present at this occasion.
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN,
was established on 8 August 1967 in Bangkok, Thailand,
with the signing of the ASEAN Declaration (Bangkok
Declaration) by the Founding Fathers of ASEAN, namely
Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and
Thailand.
Brunei Darussalam then
joined on 8 January 1984, Viet Nam on 28 July 1995, Lao
PDR and Myanmar on 23 July 1997, and Cambodia on 30
April 1999, making up what is today the ten Member
States of ASEAN.
Build Asia 2010
Build Asia 2010 - Chairman PIDC Gul Mohd Rind Talks to Media-A
Build Asia 2010 Chairman PIDC Gul Mohd Rind Talks to Media B
Build Asia 2010 - Gul Mohd & ASEAN Delegation with Ahsan Zuberi
visit the exhibition-A
Build Asia 2010 - Gul Mohd & ASEAN Delegation with Ahsan Zuberi
visit the exhibition-B
Build Asia 2010 - Hubcrete's Chief Executive Mr. Sadiq A Sharif
talks with Jeevey Pakistan-A
Build Asia 2010 - Hubcrete's Chief Executive Mr. Sadiq A Sharif
talks with Jeevey Pakistan-B
Build Asia 2010 - Ihsan Ullah Khan CEO Pakistan Stone
Development Company talks to Media
Pakistan and Germany agreed to expand
and further strengthen their bilateral relations and cooperation in various
fields including economy, education, defence, infrastructure and energy.
Both
the countries have had indepth discussions on initiating strategic dialogue;
enhance investment and economic ties and boost defence cooperation. German
Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle, who arrived here on Saturday on two day
visit to Pakistan, discussed security situation on the Afghan-Pakistan
border with his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mahmood Qureshi. Addressing a
joint press conference here at the foreign office after the bilateral talks,
they said the meeting was focused on Strategic Dialogue which was decided by
the leaders of two countries in the past. Shah Mahmood Qureshi said, “We
shared concept papers of German-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue.” He said, “We
have good discussion and it will continue as more time is needed to discuss
bilateral relations especially in the economic and defence fields.” Qureshi
thanked the German Foreign Minister for unprecedented contribution of German
government and German people for flood affected people adding that it was
close to 300 million dollars that included 210 million dollars that was came
from ordinary German people. He also thanked the German government for the
support it has given to Pakistan in getting larger share in export to
European Union, he said. Qureshi said, “We discussed potential of investment
in Pakistan and economic relations enhancement between the two countries
especially in the area of renewable energy and agriculture sector.” He said
Pakistan is the third largest milk producing country and Germany can help
Pakistan to preserve milk and milk products. The foreign minister said, “We
also discussed education as Germany is the third largest country for higher
education for the Pakistani students and Germany has been providing
scholarships.” He said Pakistan has also asked Germany to increase the
number of scholarships. He said both the foreign ministers also discussed
vocational training and setting up new training centers in Pakistan. In
defence field, Pakistan urged Germany to liberalize export control policy
towards Pakistan so that the country could get export licenses for defence
equipment. Pakistan needs defence equipment to enhance its capacity in
counter-terrorism. Qureshi said, he also briefed his German counterpart
about Pak-Afghan relations and latest situation on Pak-India relations.
German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle addressing the press conference
said bilateral relations are deep and Germany is true friend of Pakistan and
both the countries always stood by each other in very difficult times. He
said German people and government have always shown solidarity with Pakistan
especially in difficult circumstances.
German Foreign Minister said Pakistan is facing important challenges,
politically and economically and especially after the recent flash floods.
He assured that Germany will continue its engagement and cooperation with
Pakistan in all the fields. He expressed deepest condolences over the
assassination of Governor Punjab Salman Taseer. The German minister said,
“It showed our engagement is necessary to fight against every terrorist. We
encourage Pakistan and Afghanistan to closely cooperate in the security
issues and Germany as a friend will support you in this regard.” He said
many issues on bilateral agenda including vocational training to Pakistanis
was discussed in the talks today. “We have some concrete projects, to
discuss with Pakistani leadership how we can cooperate and work
together,”said the German Foreign Minister. He said, “You can count on
Germany and you can rely on us.” To a question the German Foreign Minister
appreciated the role of Pakistan in the war against terrorism. Clarifying
the statement of German Chancellor about Pakistan during the visit of Indian
Prime Minister to Berlin last year, the German Foreign Minister said the
statement was misinterpreted. He said Germany, according to its official
position, appreciates the role of Pakistan in the war against terrorism, as
it has given much sacrifices in this war, adding, Germany also encourages
both Pakistan and Afghanistan for efforts towards peace and stability in the
region. In response to a question about Germany’s military export control
regime, Guido Westerwelle said Germany has a strict military export control
regime, which is its principle position for all and not country-specific.
About Pak-India relations with particular reference to the forthcoming
meeting between the foreign secretaries of two countries in Thimphu, the
German Foreign Minister welcomed it and said his country desires close
cooperation between Pakistan and India. Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah
Mehmood Qureshi reiterating the country’s stated position said Pakistan
desires friendly and neighbourly relations with India, adding, but the only
way forward is the meaningful and result-oriented dialogue. Qureshi said if
the foreign secretaries of Pakistan and India during their meeting in
Thimphu finalize the agenda for composite dialogue, he would be happy to
visit New Delhi.
The German Foreign Minister, to another question, said there was no military
solution of Afghanistan issue and the solution lies in political engagement
and Germany supports such engagement. Foreign Minister Qureshi said Pakistan
has been striving to convince the world that the problems in Afghanistan
should be resolved through political means. He also referred to the visit of
the delegation of High Peace Council, led by Professor Burhanuddin Rabbani,
to Pakistan and said Pakistan has assured the delegation of its all-out
support for peaceful resolution of the problems in Afghanistan. Development
Cooperation with Germany is an important component of bilateral relations.
Germany significantly enhanced the Development Assistance from Euro 64
million in 2007-08 to Euro 145.35 million in 2009-2010.
The assistance focused on four priority areas, namely, Basic Education,
Primary Health Care, Renewable Energy/Energy Efficiency and Micro
Finance/Poverty Elevation. Germany also provided US$ 22.6 million as
Humanitarian Assistance for IDPs during 2009-10. Besides bilateral
assistance worth US$ 89.1 million, the German public also donated over US$
210 million for the flood victims in Pakistan.
Germany is Pakistan’s overall the fourth largest trading partner, and the
largest in the EU. Bilateral trade has touched US$ 2.24 billion in 2009-10.
Despite global recession, Pakistan exports to Germany have witnessed an
increase of 22.13% and have reached US$ 830 million during 2009-10. Around
21 Pakistani companies participated in the MEDICA International Trade Fair
held in Dusseldorf (Germany) in November 2010. The bilateral Trade
Investment Treaty signed in December 2009 with Germany has opened a new
chapter in economic relationship and helped in re-enforcing business
relations between the two countries. Presently, Germany is the eighth
largest investor in Pakistan and several German multi-nationals are
operating in Pakistan. Germany has also extended active support to
Pakistan’s initiatives with the EU for providing greater market access to
Pakistani exports to EU. It has also been a strong supporter in the EU for
Pakistan specific concessions owing to twin impact of terrorism and the
flood devastation that caused heavy toll on Pakistan socially and
economically. As one of the founding members of the FoDP, Germany has
actively participated in the group’s meetings. It pledged Euro 115 million
at the Tokyo Donors Conference (Euro 80 million provided under Bilateral
Development Cooperation). There are at present 2000 Pakistani scholars
enrolled in German Universities for higher studies. Westerwelle landed in
Lahore because of fog and poor visibility in Islamabad and then travelled to
the capital later in the evening for holding talks with Foreign Minister
Shah Mahmood Qureshi.
Jeevey
Pakistan : How do you see 2009 for Malaysia? Khalid Razzak Malaysian Consul General :
The year 2009, saw the change in Malaysia’s leadership with the
appointment of the Honorable Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib Tun Abdul Razak as the
sixth Prime Minister of Malaysia in April 2009 through a peaceful and
smooth transition of leadership which been a tradition since 1957. The
New Prime Minister has chosen “One Malaysia – People First, Performance
Now” as his guide and goal for his premiership. As the same time, the
world is experiencing unprecedented displacements and distortions to the
global financial order. This financial meltdown translated into
devastating consequences for the real economy, companies, jobs, people
and families – all around the world. Malaysia too has not been spared
but has undertaken a decisive response to blunt the impact of the global
economic downturn. The government have put together two stimulus
packages amounting to RM67 billion (US $ 19 Billion) or roughly 9% of
GDP to be spent over two years. The financial package comprised
comprehensive measures aimed at easing the hardship of affected
individuals and businesses, stimulating aggregate demand in the short
term and building the long-term capacity of the economy. The Government
have ensured that businesses have sufficient access to financing and
implemented various initiatives to provide financing to SMEs,
established mechanisms to provide guarantees to support private sector
financing as well as reactivated debt resolution mechanisms. Jeevey Pakistan :What is the larger challenge
for Malaysia? Khalid Razzak Malaysian Consul General :The larger challenge
before us lies not in addressing the short –term vulnerable and
dislocations but over the long-term national competitiveness. In the
last three decades, we have made great strides in poverty sector
financing as well as reactivated debt reso mechanisms. The larger
challenge before us lies not in addressing the short-term
vulnerabilities and dislocations but over the long term national
competitiveness. In the last three decades, we have made great strides
in poverty eradication, enhancing the living standards of Malaysians,
developing world class infrastructure and providing respectable economic
growth. But we cannot and will not be caught in the middle income
country trap. We need to make the shift to high income economy or we
risk losing growth momentum in our economies and vibrancy in our
markets. The challenge of managing such a major transition is not easy
and has been made more considerable by the weakness in the global
financial architecture and intensifying competitive pressures arising
from dramatic changes in the global economy.
President
Asif Ali Zardari has said that Pakistan will welcome a solution to the
Afghan problem led by afghan people and the afghan government.
Addressing a joint news conference with his Turkish counterpart
Abdullah Gull President Zardari said that Pakistan and turkey would
continue to play their role to resolve the Afghanistan problem.
Indian
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has said he would consider his job well
done if relations with Pakistan are normalized.
Talking to reporters on board his plane while returning from Kazakhstan
Manmohan Singh said if he could succeed in normalizing relations between
India and Pakistan as they should prevail between two normal states, he
would consider his job well done.
Last month Singh invited the Prime Minister, to watch the cricket world
cup semi-final between the two countries, in a move quickly dubbed as
cricket diplomacy. Prime Minister Gilani has declared his talks with
Manmohan Singh as very useful as both the leaders agreed to discuss all
outstanding issues including Kashmir issue.
Marc Grossman
A
veteran at the State Department, where he developed a career over nearly
three decades, Grossman has served as assistant secretary of state for
Europe and ambassador to Turkey.
His last post before retiring from the foreign service in 2005 was
undersecretary for political affairs under former president George W.
Bush's first term in office.
He currently serves as vice president of the Cohen Group, a consulting
firm. Although the group has several clients with contracts in South
Asia, officials told the Post they did not see that as an obstacle to
Grossman's appointment.
France
signed a 9.3-billion-dollar framework agreement to sell two
nuclear reactors to India during a visit by French President
Nicolas Sarkozy to New Delhi. India
inked the deal with France's state-run nuclear group Areva
for the purchase of two reactors for a new plant in Jaitapur
in the western state of Maharashtra. The deal is short of a
final sale contract, but it means Areva has moved ahead of
US and Japanese competitors in the race to sell reactors to
India. Russia is already constructing two nuclear power
units in the southern state of Tamil Nadu. Deals totalling
20 billion dollars have been signed or are about to be
signed with Indian companies, Sarkozy's office said,
including a leasing agreement for 14 airbus planes and the
Modernisation of 51 French-made mirage fighter jets. The
French leader is on a four-day trip to India, where he is
seeking deeper trade ties while seeking to build a
partnership with a democratic country seen as a
counterbalance in Asia to China.
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Chamber 2
President Asif
Ali Zardari has offered Sri Lanka assistance in cement, sugar
and dairy industry and urged the business leaders of the two
countries to start joint venture for their mutual benefit.
Addressing the business forum in Colombo, the President said
Pakistan investors are keen to explore several new sectors in
Sri Lanka. He lauded the economic polices of President Rajapaksa
and noted that the country's growth rate is 8.5 percent which is
testimony of its brilliant trade policies. President Zardari
said Sri Lanka is a gateway to billions of the people in the
region and need modern infrastructure and Pakistan could help
assist Colombo in this regard. He also proposed a high level
conference of investors bringing together the business leaders
jointly chaired by the leaders, of the two countries. President
Zardari said recent devastating flood has affected Pakistan
economy and government took a number of steps for the
rehabilitation and reconstruction of flood affected areas.
Pakistan adopted prudent policies to bring the economy back on
the track. The IMF recently acknowledged these policies and
extended an economic package.
Pak-Sri Lanka trade to reach $1
billion in next 5 year - Jinadasa
KARACHI: The newly appointed Council
General of Sri Lanka to Karachi, D W Jinadasa has said that bilateral
trade between Sri Lanka and Pakistan is likely to double from Rs.28bn to
Rs55.5bn by 2015.
“Politically and economically, our ties are sound and are growing from
strength to strength. The signing of the Free trade Agreement in 2002
and its implementation in 2005, were significant milestones in our
bilateral relations. It has further consolidated, enhanced and
strengthened our bilateral tiesm the SL diplomat said adding that he
would continue with the efforts made by his predecessors.
While talking to a media, the SL Diplomat said that total trade turnover
which was US dollars 158 million in 2005 has increased to US dollars 252
million in 2009 which is quite encouraging but he, however, said that
the real potential of bilateral trade is yet to be explored.
Both the countries should strive for increasing the current level of
trade to $500 million or even $1 billion within next five years,
Jinadasa said adding that given the special characteristics of our
cordial relations, positive economic fundamentals and keenness at the
highest level followed by close proximity, I strongly feel that this
target is within our reach.
“I will extend every possible support to the local as well as Sri Lankan
stakeholders to boost the bilateral trade”, Jinadasa assured.
Jeevey Pakistan :What
is the vision of your PM? Khalid Razzak Malaysian Consul General :In
the regard, Prime Minister Najib propagated ‘1 Malaysia’ concept to get
all Malaysians to work as one team in order to achieve goal and that is
towards a developed nation by 2020. The Government have set be base on
innovation, creativity and high value, to lift us into the ranks of a
high income national within the decade (set a target to be ranked the
10th largest trading nation in the world by 2020). Jeevey Pakistan :What is new economic Model of
Malaysia? Khalid Razzak Malaysian Consul General :Malaysia
new economic model is intended to shift our reliance from a
manufacturing base dependent on semi skilled and low cost labour to one
that hinges on a high technology and modern services and sector
dependant upon skilled and highly paid workers. Government have already
announced the liberalization measures to enhance the role of the
financial sector as a key enabler and catalyst of economic growth. With
all this efforts, Malaysia continues to become an international and
preferred hub for Islamic financial and banking, halal industries,
tourism destinations and higher educational centers of excellence. As
end of 2009, International reserves remained at a comfortably high level
of US$80.0 billion, adequate to finance 8.3 months of retained imports
and is 3.8 times the short-term external debt. Jeevey Pakistan :How do you see relationship of
Pakistan & Malaysia? Khalid Razzak Malaysian Consul General :This
year marks the 53 years of close and friendly relations with Pakistan
which was established in 31 August of 197. Malaysia and Pakistan
established diplomatic relations in 1957 and throughout the five
decades, both countries relations have been very close and friendly.
Malaysia and Pakistan share similar, id not identical positions on many
international regional issues.
Jeevey Pakistan :How does Trade behaved
in this relation ship? Khalid Razzak Malaysian Consul General :No doubt, the major
cornerstone of our relations is trade and investment. For 2008, total
trade between both countries was recorded at US$1.88 billion (RM6.2
billion), an increase of 34.8% from 2007 (US$1.33 billion). In addition,
Malaysia ranks among the leading countries in terms of foreign direct
investments in Pakistan.
Jeevey Pakistan :How
much Malaysian Investment has come to Pakistan till To Date ? Khalid Razzak Malaysian Consul General :Total
gross investment from Malaysia to Pakistan from 2004-2007 was estimated
at about (RM3.8 billion). Malaysia is still the largest exporter of palm
oil and palm oil products to Pakistan which stood at 1.33 million tonnes
in 2008, valued at RM3.98 billion or US$1.13 billion. Other major
exports products, machinery and parts as well as textiles and clothing.
Pakistan, on the other hand is mainly exporting electric and electronics
products, textiles and clothing, cereal, frozen seafood and transport
equipment. In terms of investments, a large number of Malaysian
companies are actively engaged in development projects, power generation
projects, road construction, consultancy and telecommunication ventures
in Pakistan, especially in Karachi. Malaysia’s largest bank i.e. Maybank
has acquired 20% stake in MCB Bank Ltd, which is the largest-ever
private sector cross border investment in Pakistan. In further
facilitating the trade and economic relations of the both brotherly
countries, a Free trade Agreement (FTA) between Malaysia and Pakistan
was signed on 8 November 2007 in Kuala Lumpur. The Agreement is
Pakistan’s first comprehensive FTA incorporating trade in goods, trade
in services, investment and economic co-operation and Malaysia’s first
bilateral FTA with any South Asian country. Certainly, the relations
between out two countries could be further increased and enhanced by
establishing a wider economic cooperation and private partnership
between Malaysian and Pakistani private sectors. In this respect, I
would like to invite more Pakistani businessmen to visit Malaysia and
eventually explore new areas of cooperation. Jeevey Pakistan :How
is Malaysian Tourism? Khalid Razzak Malaysian Consul General :In
the tourism front there is a famous saying i.e. ‘to know Malaysian is to
love Malaysia’ In this regard, I would like to urge more Pakistani
nationals to visit Malaysia as their favourite holiday destination and
experienced the diverse culture and sincere hospitality of Malaysians.
Malaysia national carrier, MAS files twice a week directly from Karachi
to Malaysia in about 6 hour’s journey. Jeevey Pakistan :How
much tourists Malaysia attracts right now? Khalid Razzak Malaysian Consul General :For
the record, in 2009, Malaysia had attracted more than 23.65 million
tourists, an increase of 7.2% over 2008 (22.05 million) and contributed
some US$14.21 billion towards the national GDP. No doubt, Malaysia’s
rich cultural heritage and natural wonders combined with its wide
selection of outstanding world-class facilities and Islamic products
offered at exceptional prices continue to remain an attractive
destination for tourists especially from Pakistan. Notably in 2009, a
new record high of more than 80,000 Pakistan tourists visited Malaysia
from the figure of 68,000 in 2008. Jeevey Pakistan :What
would you suggest Pakistan to improve its Tourism? Khalid Razzak Malaysian Consul General :Similarly,
Pakistani should also take advantage of Malaysia My Second Home
Programme or MM2H programme, a Government endorsed project which
promotes Malaysia as a long-stay retreat with various advantages and
incentives. Until April 2009, it has attracted 13,076 participants from
more than 398 joining the program since 2002. Jeevey Pakistan :Tell
us about Malaysian Education? Khalid Razzak Malaysian Consul General :Malaysia
as a centre of educational excellence also offers various private and
public higher educational programmes which not only of international
standards and quality but at affordable costs. The Pakistani students
will find Malaysia a hospitable safe place to be, with many options of
study at all levels of education, to learn from Malaysia’s great
diversity, rapid economic development, peaceful and harmonious
multicultural society. Certainly, Malaysia looks forward to increase and
enhanced our countries relationship to greater height. Malaysia will
continue to cooperate with Pakistan on matters of mutual interest for
the benefit and interest of the two countries and the region.
Karachi Council on Foreign Relations, Economic Affairs and Law (KCFR) is
a leading think-tank, established six years ago (in May 2003) and
comprises of former foreign secretaries, former ambassadors,
academicians and elite of the city. The genesis of the Council can be
traced to the Chicago Council on Foreign Relations and its information
on the web inspired us and then it was decided to make a council on the
same lines. The Council is a forum at which Pakistani and foreign
scholars can present the result of their research and studies.
The Council has already
been addressed by renowned personalities including
Mr. Shaukat Aziz (former Prime Minister of Pakistan), Mr. L.K.
Advani (President BJP and former Deputy Prime Minister of India), Mr.
Mike O’Brien (former British Minister of Foreign and Commonwealth
Affairs), Mr. Douglas Alexander (former British Minister of Foreign and
Commonwealth Affairs) Mr. Khurshid Mahmood Kasuri (former Foreign
Minister of Pakistan), Mr. Jaswant Singh (former Foreign Minister of
India), Mr. Shiv Shankar Menon (Foreign Secretary of India), Nancy Powel
(former US Ambassador), Dr. Gunter Mulack (former German Ambassador) and
ambassadors from different countries like France, India, Bangladesh, Sri
Lanka, China, Afghanistan, Nepal and ambassadors of Latin American
countries.
The Council realizes
the importance of high quality research on international, regional and
bilateral and domestic issues. Therefore, the Council published “WTO and
Pakistan
: An Overview”. Our forthcoming publications are the
monographs on SAARC and India-Pakistan relations, titled as “SAARC:
Prospects and Challenges” and “Indo-Pak
Peace Process: The New Realities”.KCFR has organized
several interactive sessions with the head of diplomatic missions in
Pakistan
to high light the mutual perceptions of bilateral, regional and global
issues to contribute for a better understanding and has made it a
regular feature. Recently KCFR organized interactive sessions with H.E.
Mr. Mash Allah Shakeri, Ambassador
of Iran, H.E. Mr. Daniel
Jouanneau, Ambassador of
French Republic on “Overview
of France and Pakistan Relations”, and H.E. Mrs. Yasmeen Morshed, High
Commissioner of Bangladesh on “Changing
Security Dynamic: Challenges for South Asia”.For the first time, KCFR hosted a dinner on 21st
February 2009 in collaboration with City Naib Nazim, Mrs. Nasreen Jalil
in honour of the members of Consular Corps stationed in
Karachi
at the historic
Old
KMC
Building
.
In the past, a
delegation of Royal College of
Defence Studies comprising of senior officers and officials of
UK
and other countries of the world visited
Karachi
and held on in-depth discussions with the members of Karachi Council on
matters related to strategic balances with special reference to
South Asia
. Recently, on the 28th April 2009, members of the Karachi
Council had a meeting with the delegation of a leading think-tank of
USA, Centre for American Progress
(CAP), headed by Dr. Lawrence
J. Korb (Senior Fellow at CAP and former Assistant Secretary of Defence)
to discuss the current regional and international issues.
Jeevey
Pakistan.com, Pakistan’s
first comprehensive and bilingual news website is an official website
i.e. (http://www.jeeveypakistan.com/),
where you can find all the details of activities of Karachi Council from
the day one of its formation and on going activities.This service is free of cost and
only to promote bilateral relations between the Karachi Council and the
diplomatic corps.