By our correspondent
KARACHI: A meeting took place at the Malaysian Consulate in Karachi, where Malaysian Consul General Herman Hardynata Ahmad engaged in discussions with key stakeholders about the ongoing challenges related to timber imports.
During the talks, the Consul General assured the attendees that he would take up concerns linked to the Department of Plant Protection with Pakistani authorities, aiming to resolve issues that have been affecting the timber trade between the two countries. Significantly, Ahmad also pledged to advocate for special considerations concerning timber imports in the forthcoming Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations between Pakistan and Malaysia.
The commitment signals a hopeful step towards easing trade barriers and fostering closer economic ties between the two nations. The meeting included prominent figures such as Sabir Ali Bangash, Vice Chairman of the All Pakistan Timber Traders Association (APTTA), alongside Mukhtar Hussain, Muhammad Asif, Zahid Kharbey, and Mazhar Anjarwala.
Their presence underscored the importance of this dialogue in addressing the concerns of Pakistan’s timber industry, which has faced challenges related to import regulations and trade facilitation. As discussions continue, both sides appear keen to find common ground that will benefit trade flows, strengthen bilateral relations, and support the livelihoods of those dependent on the timber sector in Pakistan.
