Islamabad (TDI): The federal government has appointed Zia Noor as Pakistan’s Honorary Investment Counsellor in Malta, aiming to increase the country’s export footprint in non-traditional markets.
As a member state of the European Union (EU), Malta offers considerable potential for Pakistani products.
After his appointment, Noor said that despite Malta’s reliance on imports, Pakistan’s share in the market is minimal, with exports valued at only $3.85 million, The Express Tribune reported.
He said that this figure is likely to grow to $100 million by the end of the current year.
Noor underlined the vast potential for Pakistani rice, textiles, cement, sports equipment, carpets, fruits and vegetables, oil seeds, and tiles in the Maltese market.
Noor added that Malta imports much of its rice from Italy, which itself sources the grain from South Asia, including Pakistan.
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He said that direct export of Pakistani rice to Malta could reduce costs for Maltese importers, enabling direct deals between them and Pakistani exporters.
To facilitate this, Noor said a “Pakistan Centre Working Catalyst” has been set up in Malta.
This platform aims to bridge the gap between Pakistani manufacturers and Maltese entrepreneurs by fostering networking opportunities and raising awareness about respective products and services.
He further said that the food and automotive sectors, in particular, present opportunities for joint investments and technology transfers.
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Moreover, he noted considerable potential for Pakistani surgical equipment manufacturers to set up production units in Malta through joint ventures, thereby earning foreign exchange and increasing bilateral trade.
Noor emphasized that mutual trade and investment between the two countries are promising, but strategic efforts are required to tap this potential.
