ISLAMABAD, April 29: A Malaysian trade delegation has shown interest in making investment in various sectors particularly in the real estate in Pakistan. The 12-member Malaysian delegation, led by Malaysia Construction Industry Development Board member Tan Sri Dato Omar Ibrahim, expressed these views during a meeting with officials of the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) here on Friday.

Speaking to Islamabad’s business community, Mr Ibrahim said that they wanted to promote trade activities in Pakistan. He said that a number of Malaysian companies were already working on various projects in Pakistan, adding that they wanted more investment/joint ventures in sectors such as housing, real estate, highways, dams, water treatment plants, construction, etc.

Briefing the delegation, ICCI President Tariq Sadiq said that there was a shortage of five to six million houses in the country and it was increasing by around 250,000 houses per annum.

He said the real estate sector was booming in Pakistan especially in Islamabad, asserting that sectors including energy, shipping, rail, highways, schools, hotels and farm-to-city roads needed priority attention for improving the infrastructure facilities.

The ICCI president assured the Malaysian delegation of the chamber’s fullest cooperation in initiating joint ventures and facilitating them to flourish their business in Pakistan.