ISLAMABAD, Sept 25: A 48-member delegation of Malaysian entrepreneurs and businessmen are scheduled to attend the opening of Expo Pakistan 2012 in Karachi on October 4.

Expo Pakistan, held annually at Karachi Expo Centre, is the premier trade fair in Pakistan, which showcases country’s trade and manufacturing potential.

Last year Malaysian businessmen investors finalised business deals worth $518 million in Expo Pakistan compared to business deals worth $80 million in 2010.

While addressing Malaysian businessmen, the acting High Commission of Pakistan in Malaysia, Mohammad Nadeem Khan said that the participation of Malaysian businessmen in expo every year is a clear manifestation of the trust and confidence the Malaysian business community has in the Pakistani market. The visit would pave way for more business match-making and economic collaborations, he said.

A Free Trade Agreement between Pakistan and Malaysia has been operational since 2008, which is the first comprehensive agreement encompassing trade in goods, services, investment and economic cooperation.

With the implementation of FTA, bilateral trade has witnessed a steady increase as in 2008, Pakistan’s bilateral trade was $1.8 billion and has now increased to $2.8 billion.