ISLAMABAD, May 3: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz will urge the leaders of Malaysia and Singapore for early completion of the proposed free trade agreements (FTA) during his visit to these countries. The prime minister will embark on a four-nation tour on Wednesday. The eight-day visit will take him to Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, Singapore and Thailand.

Commerce Secretary Tasneem Noorani told Dawn on Tuesday that during the meetings of the prime minister with his Singaporean and Malaysian counterparts, the areas of mutual interest would be considered for inclusion in the FTAs to enhance cooperation in various fields and bilateral trade.

The government was currently engaged in negotiations with a host of countries to conclude preferential trade arrangements (PTAs) and free trade agreements in order to explore new markets for Pakistani products at preferential duties and taxes.

During his visit to Malaysia, the prime minister would also seek Malaysian investment in various sectors, including banking, insurance, infrastructure, and real estate, Mr Noorani said, adding that the FTA with Malaysia would not be linked only with products, but it would cover all areas of interest between the two countries.

The two countries had also held meetings on the proposed Early Harvest Programme (EHP) — zero rate of duty, which was expected to be finalized by July this year. The bilateral trade was highly in favour of Malaysia. Under the FTA, Pakistan will seek preferential market for those products which could penetrate the Malaysian market to reduce the trade deficit with that country.

During his visit to Brunei Darussalam, the prime minister would demand exporting Pakistani manpower to that country along with attracting Brunei investment in various sectors.

Pakistan would also seek preferential market for the export of rice and food items to Brunei Darussalam, Mr Noorani added. The commerce secretary said Pakistan and Singapore were expected to conclude the proposed FTA by end of the current fiscal year for increasing bilateral trade and cooperation in various sectors.

The construction industry is one of Singapore’s strong points. Pakistan is short of five million housing units and would welcome investment in the housing and hotel industry; development of information technology parks in Pakistan; IT universities; availability of English speaking IT manpower for front offices in Singapore; setting up of a Singapore industrial estate in Pakistan; recognition of degrees of top five medical institutions and post graduate degrees, diplomats of the College of Physician and Surgeons of Pakistan.

Pakistan would also consider setting up nursing colleges in collaboration with the Singapore Nursing Board; joint venture with the existing nursing outfits in the private and public sectors in Pakistan; scholarships scheme for Pakistani graduates; admission of PhD students in Singapore universities; joint research projects in medical, engineering and life sciences; resumption of Singapore Airlines flight; joint promotion of Pakistan’s tourist destinations, including Pakistan’s rich Buddhist heritage; exchange of culture troupe; collaboration between the Singapore Cable Vision and Pakistan’s private channels.

Mr Noorani said the prime minister would raise the issue of collaboration in the field of agriculture and livestock with Thailand. Pakistan would also seek preferential market for its products to Thailand.