PM Shehbaz showcases Pakistan’s economic revival at Pakistan–Malaysia Business Conference

October 07, 2025 (MLN): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has expressed optimism about Pakistan’s improving economic outlook, citing a sharp decline in inflation and interest rates as key indicators of recovery.

Speaking at the Pakistan–Malaysia Business and Investment Conference in Kuala Lumpur, the premier invited Malaysian businesses to invest in Pakistan and explore joint ventures across multiple sectors.

“Our macroeconomic indicators are, Mashallah, very encouraging,” said Sharif. “Two years ago, we had galloping inflation at the level of 36%. Now it’s down to single digits. Our policy rates were 22.5%, and now they are down to 11%.”

Highlighting the success of Pakistan’s ongoing International Monetary Fund (IMF) program, Sharif noted that the arrangement has played a crucial role in stabilizing the national economy.

He added, however, that the country is preparing to transition beyond IMF support.

“We have an IMF program, which is obviously important to stabilize our economy,” he said.

“But this program will come to its end in the next two years. And if Malaysian and Pakistani entrepreneurs really make a commitment to establish joint ventures here in Malaysia and in Pakistan, I think we will say goodbye to the IMF for all times to come.”

In a related development, Pakistan has reiterated its commitment to creating a business-friendly environment and promoting ease of doing business, with ongoing reforms aimed at supporting startups and early-stage investors through improved investment facilitation and better access to infrastructure.

The assurance came during a meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and a delegation from the Malaysian business group Gobi Partners, led by its Co-Founder and Chair Thomas G. Tsao.

Lately, Pakistan and Malaysia have reaffirmed their shared resolve to further expand bilateral cooperation, with a major highlight of Malaysia’s decision to enhance the import quota of Halal meat from Pakistan to $200 million,  growing confidence in Pakistan’s export potential and quality standards.

Copyright Mettis Link News