Karachi: A high-level do delegation of the Pakistan Tanners Association (South Zone), led by Dr. Danish Aman, Chairman, along with esteemed members Mr. Muhammad Shafi, Mr. Danish Naseem, and Mr. Mubashir Salam, met with Mr.Herman Hardynata Ahmad, Consul General of Malaysia, at the Malaysian Consulate to discuss avenues for enhancing bilateral trade, particularly in the leather sector.
The primary focus of the meeting was to explore the ways to improve trade volumes between Pakistan and Malaysia, with special emphasis on the leather industry, a sector where both countries have strong potential yet underutilized collaboration.
Mr. Herman Hardynata Ahmad acknowledged Malaysia as a high-potential and quality-driven market, particularly for finished leather goods such as footwear, handbags, and garments.
He mentioned that while Malaysia imports significant quantities of leather from countries like China, Vietnam, and Italy, Pakistan has not yet fully tapped into this demand due to limited visibility, branding, and trade facilitation.
He said need for Collaborative Trade Promotion of both Countries. Both sides agreed that increased participation in trade fairs, B2B meetings, and joint ventures could boost confidence and open more channels for leather trade.
The Consul General encouraged the Pakistan Tanners Association to consider organizing a Pakistan Leather Expo or Roadshow in Kuala Lumpur to showcase Pakistani craftsmanship and quality standards.
Malaysian envoy said bilateral trade between Pakistan and Malaysia reached approximately USD 1.4 billion in FY2023, with Pakistan’s exports valued at around USD 400 million, compared to imports worth nearly USD 1 billion.
However, the leather sector trade remains relatively small, contributing less than USD 20 million annually, despite Pakistan being among the top ten leather producers in the world.
PTA Chairman Dr. Danish Aman, in his remarks proposed the launch of an e-commerce initiative to connect Pakistani leather manufacturers with Malaysian buyers and distributors through digital platforms.
He emphasized the global trend toward digital B2B trade, pointing to platforms like Alibaba and Amazon Business that have transformed international sourcing, especially in the post-COVID era.
Dr. Aman also highlighted the industry’s recent investments in sustainable practices and compliance, including ISO certifications and environmental-friendly tanning processes, which align with Malaysian import standards and buyer expectations. In the end traditional Ajrak, Cap and shield were presented to the honorable Consul General.
