ISLAMABAD: Charge d’Affaires of the Embassy of Indonesia in Pakistan, Rahmat Hindiarta Kusuma, has stressed the need to further promote bilateral trade between Indonesia and Pakistan for the mutual benefit of the people of both nations.
During his visit to the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), the diplomat has highlighted the historic diplomatic ties, bilateral trade, and economic cooperation between both sides and also emphasized the need to explore other avenues in order to strengthen economic and trade ties.
He also urged Pakistani business community to explore Indonesia’s potential for global trade and investment, emphasizing the significance of strengthening business-to-business ties between the two countries, said a press statement.
Rahmat Hindiarta Kusuma stressed the need to utilize the current Indonesia-Pakistan Preferential Trade Agreement and work towards a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). He highlighted Indonesia’s strategic location and set up trade ties with the ASEAN region, offering Pakistani businesses access to a market of more than 650 million consumers in ASEAN.
The diplomat was of the view that Pakistan could become a trade center for Indonesia in Central Asia, benefiting both nations through inclusive planning. He lauded ICCI’s contributions to fostering economic relations between the two countries and invited members to attend the 39th Trade Expo Indonesia from October 9-12.
He also emphasized the need for increased joint events in order to foster greater awareness and understanding between the two countries, leading to enhanced tourism and business opportunities.
Speaking on the occasion ICCI President Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari has highlighted Pakistan’s status as Indonesia’s 6th largest trade partner in Asia region, with ties based on mutual trust as well as confidence. He also underscored the need for regular trade delegation exchanges as well as reaffirmed ICCI’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with the Embassy of Indonesia.
Bakhtawari also noted that collaborative efforts and mutual understanding are key to overcoming trade issues and that working together can explore new opportunities and enhance economic prosperity and progress.
He emphasized the importance of increasing bilateral trade volume, which is currently below its potential, and highlighted the role of Central Asian markets in further boosting trade relations.
The diplomat also underlined the need for direct flights between Pakistan and Indonesia to further strengthen bilateral trade and investment ties.
