Web Desk
KARACHI: His Excellency, Herman Hardynata Ahmad, Consul General of Malaysia in Karachi delivered a keynote address at a significant engagement held between the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) and the ASEAN Trade Delegation. The meeting brought together esteemed diplomats, senior business leaders, and trade representatives from across the ASEAN region and Pakistan.
In his speech, the Consul General underscored the strategic importance of the ASEAN-Pakistan partnership, commending FPCCI’s leadership for hosting this timely dialogue. He described the engagement as more than a routine meeting—marking a shared commitment to expanding business ties and enhancing regional economic cooperation.
Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship: “Inclusivity and Sustainability”
The Consul General highlighted that Malaysia will assume the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025, ten years after it last held the position in 2015. Under the theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability,” Malaysia’s leadership will focus on:
Enhancing ASEAN Centrality through strategic diplomacy and unity;
Accelerating economic integration with a focus on green and digital transformation;
Embedding sustainability and inclusivity in all regional initiatives.
Malaysia’s Chairmanship is expected to involve over 350 meetings across various sectors throughout the year, bringing together stakeholders from governments, industries, and civil society.
Economic Complementarities and Opportunities for Pakistan
The ASEAN region, with a population exceeding 676 million and a combined GDP of USD 3.67 trillion, continues to be a global economic powerhouse. With strong intra-ASEAN trade and increasing FDI inflows, the region presents vast opportunities for cooperation.
Pakistan, with its strategic location, large population, and strengths in textiles, agribusiness, and IT, was described as a natural partner for ASEAN’s economic ambitions. The Consul General encouraged both sides to explore collaborations beyond trade—including:
Green energy and climate-smart infrastructure
Digital commerce and fintech innovation
Halal certification and food security
Vocational training and Islamic finance
Technology transfer and inclusive employment generation
Looking Ahead: ASEAN Vision 2045 and Pakistan’s Role
The speech also touched on ASEAN’s Vision 2045, which aims to build a more resilient, equitable, and sustainable region. Key forthcoming initiatives include the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement, green investment guidelines, and frameworks on electric vehicles and renewable energy.
The Consul General urged Pakistani businesses and policymakers to align with ASEAN’s evolving value chains and seize early-mover advantages in sectors such as agri-tech, halal logistics, and climate innovation.
Shared Values, Shared Prosperity
In concluding remarks, the Consul General reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to fostering deeper economic corridors with countries like Pakistan. Citing Malaysia’s national aspiration of Malaysia MADANI, a development framework rooted in sustainability and innovation, he emphasized the importance of values-driven diplomacy in shaping ASEAN’s external engagements.
He expressed gratitude to FPCCI and the ASEAN trade colleagues for their role in advancing mutual prosperity and urged continued collaboration to ensure a future that is inclusive, sustainable, and beneficial for all.
