Malaysia and Pakistan Unite to Strengthen SME Development
In a strategic move to deepen economic cooperation, Malaysia and Pakistan have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance the growth and competitiveness of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in both countries.
The MoU was exchanged between Mr. Rizal bin Dato’ Nainy, Chief Executive Officer of SME Corp. Malaysia, and H.E. Syed Tariq Fatemi, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister of Pakistan on Foreign Affairs. The ceremony was witnessed by YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia, and H.E. Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Prime Minister of Pakistan, during the latter’s official visit to Malaysia from 5 to 7 October 2025.
Accelerating Digital and Sustainable Growth
The partnership sets a framework to strengthen bilateral ties through knowledge exchange and best practice sharing, particularly in digitalisation, sustainability, and market access.
Both nations aim to foster a business environment that empowers SMEs to scale up, innovate, and make greater contributions to their respective economies.
“We see a huge potential for Malaysian SMEs in the Pakistan market. These include areas that we have a competitive advantage with increasing demand in Pakistan, like branded modest wear, platform services, childhood education, sustainable agricultural and SME-led healthcare solutions,” said Mr. Rizal.
Malaysia’s halal certification and digital innovation strengths position our SMEs to deliver high-quality, competitive products and services globally.
Unlocking Opportunities Across Key Sectors
Pakistan’s youthful population, rapid urbanisation, and infrastructure development are driving demand in industries such as food and beverages, halal consumer goods, agro-processing, and clean technology. Meanwhile, Malaysia’s established expertise in halal certification and digital transformation provides a valuable synergy that supports market expansion for both sides.
This collaboration will also pave the way for capacity-building initiatives, trade missions, and joint entrepreneurship programmes that strengthen people-to-people and business-to-business connections.
Building Resilient and Competitive SMEs
The MoU underscores both governments’ commitment to fostering inclusive, innovative, and resilient SME ecosystems. For Malaysia, it marks another step toward advancing internationalisation efforts under the MADANI Economy framework, aligning with national priorities to boost productivity and global competitiveness.
Through this partnership, SME Corp. Malaysia continues to play a leading role as the nation’s central coordinating agency for SME development, promoting collaboration and driving policy integration across ASEAN and beyond.
