Pakistan and Malaysia have reinforced their commitment to advancing digital transformation as a driving force for enhanced trade, investment, and technological cooperation between the two nations. The focus on accelerating digital collaboration was underscored during a high-level meeting between Gobind Singh Deo, Malaysia’s Minister for Digital, and Jam Kamal Khan, Pakistan’s Minister for Commerce, held on the sidelines of the Pakistan–Malaysia Business and Investment Conference in Kuala Lumpur on October 6.
Both sides emphasized the strategic importance of embracing emerging technologies to strengthen bilateral economic relations. Discussions centered around expanding e-commerce platforms, enabling cross-border digital services, boosting cybersecurity frameworks, and promoting joint ventures in advanced fields such as artificial intelligence and next-generation 5G infrastructure. The meeting reflected a shared vision for leveraging digital innovation as a catalyst for growth, competitiveness, and sustainable development.
According to the official statement released after the meeting, both ministers expressed satisfaction over the productive talks held earlier between Shehbaz Sharif and Anwar Ibrahim, the Prime Ministers of Pakistan and Malaysia, respectively. They voiced optimism that the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Pakistan Software Houses Association for IT and ITeS and the National Tech Association of Malaysia would play a vital role in enhancing digital connectivity, fostering innovation, and creating new economic opportunities within the IT sector.
Following the meeting, both ministers inaugurated the TechConnect Conference, where they delivered keynote speeches to an audience comprising established and emerging technology firms from both countries. The event featured active participation from organizations such as Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation, Cyberview, the Malaysia Semiconductor Industry Association, and global technology leaders like Amazon Web Services and Oracle Corporation.
Delegates took part in in-depth discussions, presentations, and networking sessions aimed at exploring emerging opportunities in the IT and digital landscape. Key themes included innovation in financial technologies, AI-driven solutions, semiconductor collaboration, and expanding the digital ecosystem to support startups and SMEs in both nations.
Separately, Jam Kamal Khan held a meeting with Liew Chin Tong, Malaysian Deputy Minister for Investment, Trade and Industry, to explore ways to deepen economic cooperation. Discussions focused on information technology, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, automotive, aviation, agro-food, and the Halal trade.
The meeting witnessed the signing of ten B2B MoUs between Pakistani and Malaysian companies, particularly in agro-food, gelatine, and seafood exports. This development aligns with both countries’ broader strategy to diversify their trade base, encourage private sector partnerships, and foster technological innovation.
The leaders reaffirmed their shared commitment to broadening economic engagement, with special attention to technology, green energy, and industrial collaboration. They also emphasized accelerating the implementation and renewal of the Malaysia–Pakistan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement to unlock greater trade and investment potential.
Minister Jam Kamal Khan accompanied Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during his state visit to Malaysia from October 5 to 7, 2025. The visit and its outcomes reflect a growing recognition of the pivotal role digital transformation will play in shaping future economic relations between the two countries.
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